Hold onto your wands—HBO’s Harry Potter TV series just announced the young actors who’ll bring Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger to life, and it’s got fans buzzing with excitement and a sprinkle of nostalgia. After combing through over 32,000 auditions, the network has cast newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton as the iconic Golden Trio for its upcoming reboot. With filming set to start soon, these kids are ready to step into the magical world first brought to life by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson. Here’s what you need to know about the new trio and the adventure ahead.
HBO unveiled the casting on May 27, naming Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. “We’re thrilled to have found our Harry, Ron, and Hermione after an incredible search,” said showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod in a joint statement. “These three young actors have a special spark, and we can’t wait for audiences to see them shine.” All British and around 11 years old, the trio was picked from a huge open casting call in 2024 for kids aged 9-11 in the UK and Ireland.
Dominic McLaughlin, the new Boy Who Lived, has a small role in an upcoming comedy series alongside Nick Frost, who’s also playing Hagrid. “Dominic’s got this quiet strength that reminds me of Harry,” said a casting insider. Arabella Stanton, our Hermione, is no stranger to the stage, having starred as Matilda in Matilda the Musical in London’s West End from 2023-2024. “She’s whip-smart and has Hermione’s fire,” a crew member shared. Alastair Stout, stepping into Ron’s shoes, is a fresh face with just a minor ad role, but his red hair and cheeky grin have fans saying he’s perfect for the Weasley charm.
The series, slated to hit HBO and Max in 2027, promises to dive deep into J.K. Rowling’s seven books, with each season covering one novel for a “faithful adaptation.” Filming starts this summer, and the cast is already stacked: John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Hagrid. “This role is a big chapter for me,” Lithgow said at a recent event. “I’ll be nearly 87 by the end, but I couldn’t say no to Hogwarts.” The show aims to explore the wizarding world in more detail than the films, which has fans both excited and sentimental.
For many, the original cast—like Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, and Robbie Coltrane—set a high bar. “No one can replace the first trio, but I’m rooting for these kids,” said Sarah Nguyen, a longtime fan and mom from Fremont, California. The decade-long project is a big swing, but not without challenges. J.K. Rowling, an executive producer, has stirred controversy with her views on transgender issues, leading some actors to speak out, though HBO’s Casey Bloys says it hasn’t slowed casting. “The story’s magic still draws people in,” he noted.
For Dominic, Arabella, and Alastair, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Industry insiders say they could become household names, much like their predecessors. As filming nears, the trio is preparing to step into a world of spells, friendship, and adventure, with a global fanbase cheering them on. So, grab your broomstick and get ready—these young stars are about to bring Hogwarts back to life in a whole new way.
