HBO in Talks to Reunite the Harry Potter Cast—Is Emma Watson Set to Return as Hermione Granger?

In a move that resets the Wizarding World for a new generation of viewers, HBO has confirmed that screen newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will take on the iconic roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley in its upcoming decade-long television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s bestselling saga. The trio was selected after an international search that drew tens of thousands of auditions, according to showrunner and executive producer Francesca Gardiner, who praised their “wonderful” chemistry alongside director-producer Mark Mylod (Succession). Who is the new Hermione Granger? • London-born Arabella Stanton, 14, has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s youth program and recently appeared in BBC One’s drama “Silver Street.” The casting marks her first series lead and instantly propels her into one of pop culture’s most beloved roles. Meet the rest of the Golden Trio • Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter) is a Dublin native who starred in the Irish indie film “Beyond the Pale.” • Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley), a Scottish actor, was most recently seen in the West End revival of “Matilda the Musical.” Key facts about HBO’s Harry Potter series • Format: A “faithful adaptation” of all seven novels, with each season expected to cover one book. • Streaming home: Exclusively on Max (formerly HBO Max) in territories where the service is available; international rollout will follow local launch schedules. • Production companies: HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. • Creative team: Written and executive-produced by Francesca Gardiner; multiple episodes directed by Mark Mylod; J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts and David Heyman executive-produce. What to expect next HBO has not announced a premiere date, but industry insiders point to a 2026 launch window to allow for script completion, set construction at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and a production schedule long enough to accommodate its young cast’s education requirements. Fans should anticipate more casting news—including Dumbledore, Snape and Draco Malfoy—over the coming months as the series gears up for principal photography. Why the reboot matters • Franchise longevity: The original films have earned $7.7 billion worldwide; a high-budget series keeps the brand relevant for Gen Alpha. • Streaming strategy: By stretching the narrative across multiple seasons, Max secures a marquee tent-pole to drive subscriber retention. • Fandom engagement: A serialized format can delve into book-only subplots—such as S.P.E.W. and the complete Marauders’ backstory—promising fresh content even for longtime devotees. Search interest around “HBO Harry Potter cast,” “Hermione Granger actress,” and “Arabella Stanton” has surged since the announcement, signalling a strong appetite for updates. Expect buzz to intensify every time a new professor, villain or magical creature is revealed.