HBO’s highly anticipated “Harry Potter” series has officially revealed the actors set to portray its legendary trio. After a sweeping casting process, Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout have been selected to play Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively.
Over 30,000 young actors auditioned after HBO launched an open casting call last fall. Series showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer/director Mark Mylod expressed their excitement in a statement: “After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are thrilled to announce the cast for Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The talent and charisma these three bring are remarkable, and we’re eager to share their magic with the world.”
Though relatively new to the screen, the trio has already shown promise. McLaughlin appeared in Sky’s upcoming comedy “Grow” alongside Nick Frost and Golda Rosheuvel. Stanton starred as Matilda in the West End’s “Matilda: The Musical” between 2023 and 2024. “Harry Potter” marks Stout’s first major screen role.
The trio will act alongside seasoned actors such as John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Additional cast members include Luke Thallon (Quirrell) and Paul Whitehouse (Filch).
Francesca Gardiner is writing and executive producing the series, with Mark Mylod directing multiple episodes. The show is produced in partnership with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. J.K. Rowling, the author of the original books, is also onboard as an executive producer.
Though Rowling has faced controversy over her comments regarding the transgender community, HBO content chief Casey Bloys recently emphasized, “These are her personal views. 'Harry Potter' is not carrying any hidden political messaging. The series stands on its own merit.”