Meet the New Harry Potter Cast: See Who’s Playing Every Iconic Role in the Upcoming Reboot

HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery have finally unveiled the principal lineup for their long-gestating Harry Potter television reboot, confirming a trio of fresh faces who will carry the Boy Wizard’s legacy into a new decade. British newcomer Dominic McLaughlin will wield the wand as Harry Potter, with Alastair Stout stepping into Ron Weasley’s sneakers and Arabella Stanton portraying the ever-brilliant Hermione Granger. The casting news arrives two years after the premium streamer announced plans for a “faithful, multi-season adaptation” that will devote one season to each of J.K. Rowling’s seven novels. According to the studio, filming on Year One—an adaptation of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”/“Sorcerer’s Stone”—begins this fall at the newly expanded Leavesden Studios outside London. Star power beyond the trio • John Lithgow has been tapped as Albus Dumbledore, bringing six Emmys’ worth of gravitas to the Hogwarts headmaster role. • Oscar nominee Janet McTeer plays Professor Minerva McGonagall, while I May Destroy You breakout Paapa Essiedu takes on the complex Severus Snape. • Fan-favorite Rubeus Hagrid will be portrayed by Shaun of the Dead star Nick Frost, and Luke Thallon has been cast as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Professor Quirrell. Why HBO’s reboot matters now The original film franchise concluded over a decade ago, yet Hogwarts continues to dominate pop culture, theme parks, and merchandise. By resetting the timeline with a serialized TV approach, HBO Max (soon rebranded simply as Max) hopes to recapture longtime fans while inviting Gen Alpha viewers who were not yet born when Daniel Radcliffe first received his Hogwarts letter. Showrunner Sarah Bradshaw (Succession) told journalists that the writers’ room is “leaning into the mystery-of-the-year structure” to keep binge-watching audiences hooked. Each season is expected to run eight to ten episodes with cinematic budgets rumored at $150 million per year. Release schedule and where to watch Industry insiders indicate that Season 1 could premiere in late 2026, roughly coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the first film’s U.K. release. The series will stream exclusively on Max in the U.S. and on Sky/Now in the U.K., with simultaneous drops planned in over 200 territories. Fandom reaction Within minutes of the announcement, #NewHarryPotterCast shot to the top of X (formerly Twitter) as fans debated the fresh faces and applauded the inclusive casting trends that have become standard for modern fantasy franchises. Early social-listening metrics show a 310% spike in searches for “Dominic McLaughlin Harry Potter” and “Arabella Stanton Hermione.” What’s next? Open calls are still underway for supporting student roles such as Draco Malfoy, Neville Longbottom, and Luna Lovegood. Meanwhile, set construction has begun on an updated Great Hall, complete with LED volume walls that will allow directors to blend physical sets with digital magic in real time. Key takeaways for Potterheads • A brand-new cast promises a page-accurate retelling spanning seven seasons. • High-profile adult actors add prestige and inter-generational appeal. • Production starts this fall, setting the stage for a 2026 premiere. Bookmark this page for up-to-the-minute coverage, exclusive set photos, and interviews as the new Harry Potter cast heads to Platform 9¾.