Warner Bros.
The Harry Potter series has been drip-feeding us casting announcements all year. From John Lithgow as Dumbledore to Paapa Essiedu as Snape, we’ve had almost all our casting prayers answered, spare the news of who would actually play our Golden Trio: Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Fortunately, we finally have news of which young actors nabbed the roles of our beloved leads. HBO has selected newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton to take the roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, respectively.
As fans of the book and film franchise know, the series begins with each of the three 11-year-olds receiving their admissions letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The story revolves around Harry, an orphaned wizard with a lightning-shaped scar who, as a baby, faced the most powerful and evil wizard in the realm and lived.
The casting of Harry, Ron and Hermione was reportedly a lengthy task, with producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod confirming the actors were chosen from “tens of thousands” of candidates. “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,” they said in a statement.
The HBO Max series is set to be a faithful adaptation of the books written by J.K. Rowling. It will take place over multiple seasons, with more than one season per book. The first is to premiere in 2026.
Wondering which A-lister nabbed the role of your favourite character? Scroll on.
The main Harry Potter series cast
Dominic McLaughlin
Harry Potter
Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin is a newcomer to the screen but will add a few acting credits to his resume before debuting as Harry Potter. In 2025, McLaughlin will appear in a BBC adaptation of the Marilyn Kaye novel, Gifted, as well as in the series Grow. The latter also stars fellow Harry Potter series cast mate Nick Frost.
The role of Harry Potter was originated on the screen by Daniel Radcliffe.
Arabella Stanton
Hermione Granger
Fan favourite Hermione Granger will be played by Arabella Stanton. Stanton has already cut her teeth on the stage, starring as Matilda in the West End production of Matilda The Musical. She also trod the boards in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express.
Stanton takes the reins from Emma Watson, who played Hermione in the original films.
Alastair Stout
Ron Weasley
Rounding out the Golden Trio is Alastair Stout, who has been cast in the Harry Potter series as Ron Weasley. Stout is also a newcomer to the screen.
The role of Harry’s bestie was originated by Rupert Grint.
John Lithgow
Albus Dumbledore
John Lithgow, 79, is set to become the fifth actor to play Dumbledore on screen.
In the original Harry Potter movie franchise, the role was played by two actors—Richard Harris and Michael Gambon— after the former tragically passed away during filming. The character also appeared in the prequel series Fantastic Beasts, where he was played by Jude Law and Toby Regbo as a Young Dumbeldore.
Lithgow has had a long, acclaimed acting career, earning two Golden Globes, two Tony Awards and two Academy Award nominations. You may recognise him as Winston Churchill in The Crown, as the voice of Lord Farquaad in Shrek, or as Dick Solomon from 3rd Rock From The Sun.
Paapa Essiedu
Severus Snape
Paapa Essiedu, 34, is our new Professor Snape, filling the shoes of the late Alan Rickman, who played the role in the seven films. Essiedu hails from London and spent his early career on the stage as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company. On the screen, you may have seen him in Black Mirror or the critically acclaimed HBO mini series, I May Destroy You.
Upon news of his casting, Essiedu took to Instagram to celebrating, writing: “An honour and a privilege to be going on this journey with these legends. We shall eat and we shall leave no crumbs. See you at Hogwarts.”
Janet McTeer
Minerva McGonagall
Janet McTeer, 63, has been cast as the head of Gryffindor and transfiguration teacher, Professor McGonagall. Like many of her co-stars, McTeer joins the Harry Potter TV series from a long career on the stage, as well as the screen. While she boasts a Tony Award, Olivier Award, a Golden Globe and an Order of the British Empire (OBE), fans may be familiar with her work in Ozarks, Albert Nobbs or Me Before You.
Of course, the role of McGonagall was played by Dame Maggie Smith in the original films.
Nick Frost
Rubeus Hagrid
English comedic legend Nick Frost, 53, is best known for starring opposite Simon Pegg in the Cornetto trilogy of films, Shaun Of The Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World’s End. he will step into the role of Hogwarts’ groundskeeper, Hagrid, who was originally played by Robbie Coltrane.
Fun fact: Although the character of Hagrid is famous for his looming height, Nick Frost is 5’7″, or 171cm, according to IMdB.
Luke Thallon
Quirinus Quirrell
Professor Quirrell, Hogwarts’ first Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher in the series, will be played by 29-year-old English actor Luke Thallon.
Thallon also joins the production as a veteran of the stage, earning acclaim for his roles in Albion and Leopoldstadt. Professor Quirrell was played by Ian Hart in the films.
Has Voldemort been cast yet?
Voldemort is the last of the Harry Potter series characters to be cast, but there are some rumours around the part. Oscar winner and Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy has emerged as a frontrunner for fans, however, he hasn’t expressed any interest in the part. Meanwhile, actor Ralph Fiennes, who played He Who Should Not Be Named in the film franchise, has endorsed Murphy for the part.
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