HBO Max has officially cast the new Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley for its upcoming television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved series, marking a fresh start for the iconic trio. After an extraordinary global search with over 30,000 children auditioning, the roles have been awarded to newcomers Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron.
The New Trio
- Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter) is a relatively new face in the industry, with credits including an upcoming Sky comedy film Grow alongside Nick Frost and Golda Rosheuvel.
- Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger) brings strong stage experience, having starred in London’s West End productions such as Matilda the Musical and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express. This will be her screen debut.
- Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley) has appeared in advertising campaigns and minor roles but is now stepping into a major franchise role.
Casting Process and Producers’ Comments
The casting was led by directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, who conducted an extensive search for children aged 9 to 11 from the UK and Ireland. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer/director Mark Mylod expressed enthusiasm about the trio’s chemistry and talent, stating, “The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen.” They also thanked the tens of thousands of children who auditioned, highlighting the abundance of young talent discovered.
Series Details
The HBO Max series aims to be a faithful adaptation of Rowling’s seven-book saga, with each season expected to cover one novel, allowing for a more detailed exploration than the original films. J.K. Rowling is involved as an executive producer, underscoring the commitment to preserving the books’ integrity.
Filming is set to begin at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK, with the series expected to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027. The show will stream exclusively on HBO Max and is planned to span at least a decade.
Supporting Cast
Alongside the new trio, the series has cast notable actors such as John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Hagrid, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall.
In summary, HBO Max’s casting of Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout as Harry, Hermione, and Ron respectively heralds a new chapter for the Harry Potter franchise, promising a faithful, richly detailed retelling of the magical saga with a talented new generation of actors.