HBO’s forthcoming adaptation of the Harry Potter books has sparked discourse since it was first announced back in 2023 (due in no small part to author and series producer J.K. Rowling’s transphobia), but on Tuesday, fans recieved an exciting casting update: Newcomer Dominic McLaughlin will take on the role of Harry Potter, while Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will co-starring as Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, respectively.
“After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron,” showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner and executive producer and episodic director Mark Mylod—both known for their work on Succession—said in a statement. “The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen. We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It’s been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.”
Much of the adult cast of the new Harry Potter series, described as “a faithful adaptation” of Rowling’s original material, has already been announced, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.
Even amid the controversy surrounding the series—what with Rowling apparently no longer on speaking terms with her original Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson)—it’s hard not to root for these kids to have as successful (and normal!) an experience as possible, entering one of history’s biggest young-adult franchises ever.