HBO Finds Its New Trio for the Harry Potter TV Series

After months of searching, HBO has officially chosen the young actors who will bring Harry, Ron, and Hermione to life in the upcoming Harry Potter television reboot. Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton, all fresh faces in the acting world, will step into the roles that captivated a generation.

The casting process involved an open call for British children aged 9 to 11, resulting in thousands of hopefuls auditioning. Ultimately, casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann narrowed it down to these three. Executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod praised the new cast, expressing their excitement to see the chemistry of the trio unfold on screen.

This TV adaptation is set to span multiple seasons, with each season dedicated to one book. It aims to be a more detailed and faithful take on J.K. Rowling’s original novels compared to the early 2000s film series. HBO, now rebranding its streaming service as Max, plans to stretch the project over the next decade.

Familiar names will also be joining the series. John Lithgow has been tapped to play Albus Dumbledore, a role previously held by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon. Other cast members include Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Hagrid. These casting choices signal a mix of experienced talent and new energy.

Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on Succession, will also act as the showrunner. The project brings together a team with a strong background in high-quality drama, suggesting that this adaptation won’t just be a nostalgic rehash, but a major production in its own right.

Despite the excitement, the project isn’t without controversy. J.K. Rowling, who retains creative control and serves as an executive producer, has faced backlash over her comments about gender identity. Her statements have created a divide between her and the stars of the original films. However, HBO executives have made it clear that her personal views won’t shape the content of the new show.

The new Harry Potter series is expected to premiere in 2026, nearly 30 years after the first book introduced readers to the wizarding world and 15 years after the final film concluded the saga. While the original movies will still be available for fans, this series hopes to welcome a new generation into the magic.