The wizarding world is about to welcome a fresh generation of witches and wizards as HBO brings J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series to the small screen. In a report by Variety, the upcoming TV adaptation will transform each of the seven books—Sorcerer’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, and Deathly Hallows—into individual seasons.
Meet the New Trio
After an extensive search, the iconic roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley have been cast. Rising stars Dominic McLaughlin (Harry), Arabella Stanton (Hermione), and Alastair Stout (Ron) will lead the series. The trio, largely newcomers, were selected from over 32,000 auditions, with the casting team reviewing up to 1,000 tapes per day.
McLaughlin previously appeared in Sky’s comedy Grow alongside Nick Frost and Golda Rosheuvel, Stanton starred as Matilda in the West End musical, and Stout makes his acting debut.
Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod praised the casting process: “After an extraordinary search, we’re thrilled to introduce our Harry, Hermione, and Ron. These three remarkable actors bring incredible talent, and we can’t wait for audiences to see their magic on screen. We’re also deeply grateful to the thousands of talented young actors who auditioned.”
Harry Potter (Dominic McLaughlin)
Stepping into the iconic role of The Boy Who Lived is rising star Dominic McLaughlin, who will lead the new Harry Potter series as the famous young wizard. This pivotal role originally catapulted Daniel Radcliffe to international stardom, and now McLaughlin is set to bring his own interpretation to the beloved character. Before landing this career-defining part, McLaughlin showcased his talent in the upcoming Sky comedy Grow, where he starred alongside Nick Frost—who, in a fun twist, will also appear in the Harry Potter reboot as the lovable half-giant Rubeus Hagrid. With this exciting project, McLaughlin is poised to become the next big name in Hollywood.
Ron Weasley (Alastair Stout)
Making his acting debut in a major way, Alastair Stout has been cast as Ron Weasley—Harry’s loyal, quick-witted, and occasionally insecure best friend at Hogwarts. With his striking red hair and natural charm, Stout bears an uncanny resemblance to a young Rupert Grint, who originally brought the beloved ginger wizard to life in the films. Though Harry Potter marks Stout’s first professional acting credit, his casting suggests he has the perfect mix of humor and heart to embody Ron’s endearing quirks. Stepping into such an iconic role is no small feat, but if early reactions are any indication, Stout may just become the breakout star of the series.
Hermione Granger (Arabella Stanton)
Taking on the role of the brilliant, bookish Hermione Granger is Arabella Stanton, a rising star with a formidable stage background. Best known for her West End debut as the titular prodigy in Matilda: The Musical, Stanton has already proven her ability to portray fiercely intelligent young heroines—making her a perfect fit for Hermione. She follows in the footsteps of Emma Watson, whose portrayal of the character became iconic. Watson has since transitioned to major film roles (Beauty and the Beast, Little Women) and activism, leaving big shoes to fill. But with her sharp wit, commanding presence, and theatrical pedigree, Stanton is more than ready to make the role her own.
Albus Dumbledore (John Lithgow)
Academy Award winner John Lithgow steps into the role of Albus Dumbledore, the sagacious, silver-bearded Headmaster of Hogwarts whose immense magical power is matched only by his kindness and cunning. As Harry Potter’s earliest mentor, Dumbledore guides the young wizard with a mix of warmth and mystery—beginning with that fateful night when he delivers baby Harry to the Dursleys’ doorstep at Privet Drive, alongside the watchful Minerva McGonagall.
Lithgow, beloved for his versatility in roles ranging from The Crown (Winston Churchill) to 3rd Rock from the Sun, brings a wealth of gravitas and charm to the character—previously embodied by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the films. His casting promises a Dumbledore who balances twinkling wit, quiet authority, and the depth of a wizard who’s seen both war and wonder.
Severus Snape (Paapa Essiedu)
BAFTA-winning actor Paapa Essiedu takes on the complex role of Severus Snape, Hogwarts’ enigmatic Potions master and head of Slytherin House. With his piercing gaze and cutting demeanor, Essiedu’s Snape is poised to bring fresh intensity to the character originally immortalized by Alan Rickman—mixing icy hostility toward Harry and the Gryffindors with an aura of sinister ambiguity.
A veteran of Shakespearean theater (Hamlet, King Lear) and acclaimed TV (I May Destroy You), Essiedu is no stranger to layered performances—perfect for a character whose loyalties remain shrouded in mystery. As Harry grows suspicious of Snape’s possible ties to Voldemort, audiences will be left guessing: Is he a villain, a protector, or something in between?
Minerva McGonagall (Janet McTeer)
Two-time Oscar nominee Janet McTeer brings her formidable presence to the role of Minerva McGonagall, Hogwarts’ stern but fair Transfiguration professor and head of Gryffindor House. With her signature tartan robes and no-nonsense demeanor, McTeer’s McGonagall serves as both a disciplinarian and steadfast protector of Harry, Ron, and Hermione—though they rarely see the full depth of her care.
A skilled Animagus (able to transform into a tabby cat at will), McGonagall has long been one of Dumbledore’s most trusted allies—going back to that fateful night when she helped deliver baby Harry to the Dursleys’ doorstep. McTeer, known for her powerful performances in Albert Nobbs and Ozark, is perfectly cast to follow in Maggie Smith’s iconic footsteps, blending sharp wit, unshakable principles, and well-hidden warmth.
Rubeus Hagrid (Nick Frost)
Beloved British actor Nick Frost trades comedic roles (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) for a heartwarming turn as Rubeus Hagrid, the gentle half-giant with a penchant for dangerous creatures and an unshakable loyalty to Harry Potter. As Hogwarts’ gamekeeper and Keeper of Keys, Frost’s Hagrid will deliver that pivotal moment when he first tells Harry, “Yer a wizard,” kicking off the boy’s journey into magic.
With his towering frame, wild beard, and West Country accent, Frost captures Hagrid’s essence—a lovable oaf whose childlike wonder and fierce protectiveness make him the trio’s most devoted ally. Whether nursing baby dragons, tending to Hippogriffs, or fumbling with spells, this Hagrid promises to honor Robbie Coltrane’s iconic portrayal while bringing his own brand of humor and heart.
Argus Filch (Paul Whitehouse)
Comedy legend Paul Whitehouse takes on the delightfully grumpy role of Argus Filch, Hogwarts’ long-suffering caretaker who despises nothing more than messy, rule-breaking students. Armed with his ever-watchful feline companion, Mrs. Norris, Filch patrols the castle corridors with a permanent scowl and an ironclad devotion to order—despite being a Squib (a non-magical person born into a wizarding family).
Whitehouse, a BAFTA-winning staple of British comedy (The Fast Show, Ghosts), is perfectly cast to bring both humor and pathos to the role. His Filch promises to be equal parts ridiculous and pitiable—a petty bureaucrat in a world of magic he can never possess, yet desperately clings to. Fans of David Bradley’s iconic film portrayal will relish this fresh take, complete with exasperated muttering, Mrs. Norris’s eerie teamwork, and deep-seated resentment of Peeves.
Quirinus Quirrell (Luke Thallon)
Rising star Luke Thallon (BBC’s The Capture, Patriots) steps into the role of Quirinus Quirrell, Hogwarts’ nervous, stuttering Defense Against the Dark Arts professor with a dangerously hidden secret. Initially dismissed as merely awkward and inept—a far cry from his previous post teaching Muggle Studies—Quirrell’s true nature unravels as Harry discovers his dark connection to Voldemort, making him the boy’s first true test of courage.
Thallon, known for his ability to portray unsettling vulnerability, is perfectly cast to balance Quirrell’s pitiable exterior with sinister undertones. His performance promises to honor Ian Hart’s memorable film portrayal while adding fresh layers to the character’s duplicitous descent into darkness.
Draco Malfoy (Lox Pratt)
Breakout talent Lox Pratt slithers into the role of Draco Malfoy, Harry’s silver-tongued Slytherin rival and pure-blood elitist who takes every opportunity to torment the Golden Trio. With his blonde-haired arrogance and family-bred prejudice, Pratt’s Draco embodies the bigotry and entitlement of the Malfoy dynasty—wielding insults like “Mudblood” while sneering at Muggle-born students like Hermione.
Pratt, who will next star as the savage Jack in BBC’s Lord of the Flies adaptation, brings a natural intensity perfect for Draco’s slow-burning arc—from pampered bully to conflicted pawn in Voldemort’s war. His casting suggests a Draco who’s more than just a one-note antagonist, hinting at the cracks in his bravado as the story unfolds.
Petunia Dursley (Bel Powley) & Vernon Dursley (Daniel Rigby)
Critically acclaimed actress Bel Powley transforms into the pinched, bitter Petunia Dursley, Harry’s aunt who resents every reminder of her magical sister Lily—right down to the nephew she grudgingly raises. Powley, known for her raw, nuanced performances in The Diary of a Teenage Girl and A Small Light, will bring new layers to Petunia’s jealousy and fear, weaponizing suburban normalcy to keep Harry (and magic) at arm’s length—especially from her spoiled son, Dudley.
Opposite her, BAFTA winner Daniel Rigby (I, Jack Wright) embodies Vernon Dursley’s blustering tyranny, his face perpetually puce with outrage over anything unnatural—meaning Harry’s very existence. As Grunnings’ drill-directing patriarch, Rigby’s Vernon will be a bulldozer of conformity, his mustache quivering with disdain. Fresh off Renegade Nell and the upcoming Blade Runner 2099, Rigby promises a Vernon who’s both ludicrous and terrifying—a perfect foil to Powley’s vinegary Petunia.
Together, they’ll recreate Privet Drive’s soul-crushing “normalcy” with fresh venom, updating the Dursleys for a new generation.
Molly Weasley (Katherine Parkinson)
BAFTA-winning actress Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd, Humans) steps into the cozy, cardigan-clad shoes of Molly Weasley, the fiercely loving matriarch of the Weasley clan. As the warm-hearted mother of Ron, Fred, George, Ginny, and her three older children, Parkinson’s Molly will embody the perfect blend of nurturing warmth and lioness-like protectiveness—whether she’s knitting Christmas jumpers, scolding her brood with a flick of her wand, or later, defending Harry as if he were her own.
Known for her sharp comedic timing and emotional depth, Parkinson is ideally cast to follow Julie Walters’ iconic portrayal, bringing her own brand of no-nonsense affection to the role. From her Gryffindor pride to her legendary duel with Bellatrix Lestrange (“Not my daughter, you bitch!”), this Molly promises to be every bit as heartfelt and formidable as fans demand.
Parvati Patil (Alessia Leoni)
Emerging talent Alessia Leoni takes on the role of Parvati Patil, the spirited Ravenclaw student whose loyalty shines brightest in times of crisis. Alongside her twin sister, Padma (sorted into Gryffindor), Parvati navigates Hogwarts with a blend of curiosity and courage, forming a close bond with fellow student Lavender Brown. Though initially known for her love of Divination and lighthearted gossip, Leoni’s Parvati will reveal deeper layers as she joins Dumbledore’s Army, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Harry, Ron, and Hermione against the rising tide of darkness.
Seamus Finnigan (Leo Earley)
Fresh-faced talent Leo Earley ignites the role of Seamus Finnigan, Harry’s fiery Gryffindor classmate whose knack for accidental pyrotechnics (“It’s only a bit of fire…”) masks surprising depth. As a half-blood wizard (with a Muggle father who only learned the truth post-wedding), Earley’s Seamus will embody the charm and chaos of Hogwarts’ resident explosives enthusiast—whether he’s blowing up potions or debating Quidditch with Dean Thomas.
But when war looms, Seamus sheds his class-clown persona to join Dumbledore’s Army, proving that bravery isn’t just about flawless spellwork. Earley’s performance promises to honor Devon Murray’s beloved portrayal while adding new texture to Seamus’ journey from comic relief to battlefield rebel—especially in the Battle of Hogwarts, where his loyalty burns brightest.
Cornelius Fudge (Bertie Carvel)
Two-time Olivier Award winner Bertie Carvel (Matilda the Musical, Ink) conjures a masterclass in bureaucratic denial as Cornelius Fudge, the wilfully oblivious Minister of Magic whose fear of upheaval blinds him to Voldemort’s return. With his pinstriped suits and polished smile, Carvel’s Fudge embodies the lethal complacency of power—dismissing Harry and Dumbledore’s warnings as alarmist fiction while covertly slandering them in The Daily Prophet.
Fresh from playing Prince Baelor Targaryen in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Carvel brings regal delusion to Fudge’s downfall—a man who’d rather persecute a teenager than face a second wizarding war. His stage-honed ability to balance charm and chilling authority makes him perfect to expose Fudge’s cowardice masquerading as pragmatism—especially in scenes with Dolores Umbridge, his equally dangerous enabler.
Neville Longbottom (Rory Wilmot)
Rising star Rory Wilmot (FBI: International, Out of the Dust) steps into the role of Neville Longbottom, the endearingly awkward Gryffindor whose journey from timid forgetfulness to battlefield hero is one of the series’ most inspiring arcs. As the last scion of the pure-blood Longbottom family, Wilmot’s Neville carries the weight of his parents’ tragic fate—though he won’t learn its full significance until later.
Dudley Dursley (Amos Kitson)
Newcomer Amos Kitson makes his acting debut as Dudley Dursley, Harry’s spoiled, brutish cousin who relishes his reign as the Dursleys’ golden child. With his pudgy frame and petulant scowl, Kitson’s Dudley embodies the worst of Privet Drive’s privilege—bullying Harry with impunity while gorging on mountains of birthday presents and Vernon’s indulgent praise.
Madam Rolanda Hooch (Louise Brealey)
Versatile actress and journalist Louise Brealey (Sherlock, Back) takes flight as Madam Rolanda Hooch, Hogwarts’ no-nonsense flying instructor and eagle-eyed Quidditch referee. With her signature aviator goggles and sharp whistle, Brealey’s Hooch will command the pitch—whether she’s teaching first-years to mount broomsticks or breaking up Gryffindor-Slytherin scuffles mid-match.
Brealey’s background as a film journalist (Empire, Total Film) lends her a natural authority perfect for Hooch’s exacting standards—a woman who tolerates no rule-breaking, even from Harry Potter himself. Though the films reduced her role, this adaptation could expand her presence, showcasing her dedication to student safety and perhaps even her own Quidditch past.
Garrick Ollivander (Anton Lesser)
Veteran actor Anton Lesser (Game of Thrones, Andor) brings his signature gravitas to the role of Garrick Ollivander, the enigmatic and revered wandmaker whose craft borders on artistry. With his pale, moonlike eyes and whispery intensity, Lesser’s Ollivander will mesmerize audiences just as he does young witches and wizards—reciting wandlore like poetry when Harry first visits his shop in Diagon Alley.
Known for playing calculating intellectuals (Qyburn in GoT, Major Partagaz in Andor), Lesser is perfectly cast to embody Ollivander’s otherworldly wisdom and quiet resilience—traits tested when he’s kidnapped by Voldemort in Deathly Hallows. His performance promises to honor John Hurt’s beloved portrayal while adding new layers to the character’s devotion to his craft, even under duress.
Behind the Magic
The series is written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, with Mark Mylod directing multiple episodes. J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman (Heyday Films) also serve as executive producers.
With production underway, fans worldwide eagerly await the return to Hogwarts—this time, in an all-new television format.
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.