After months of searching, HBO's Harry Potter series finds its Harry, Ron and Hermione

HBO's Harry Potter series finds its leading actors: three young talents make their debuts as Harry, Hermione and Ron. After a months-long worldwide search involving over 32,000 cast members, HBO has finally found its new Harry Potter trio. Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout have been cast as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley respectively in the ambitious television series that is expected to run for at least a decade. The series will be the first large-scale retelling of J.K. Rowling’s book series since the film franchise starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.

©Deadline - Aidan Monaghan/HBO
From left to right: Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout

Though all relatively new to television, the three were chosen for their "remarkable chemistry, natural charisma and standout talent," according to showrunner Francesca Gardiner (His Dark Materials, Succession) and director Mark Mylod (Succession, Game of Thrones).

“We can’t wait for the world to see their magic together on screen,” the creative team said.

The search began in early 2025 with an open call to children aged 9 to 11 in the UK and Ireland. In line with HBO’s commitment to inclusive casting, agents were specifically asked to submit proposals regardless of ethnicity, gender, disability or gender identity.

Children submitted video clips in which they presented both creative work and shared personal stories. This initial selection yielded thousands of promising candidates, followed by multiple rounds.

The already announced adult cast includes impressive names. Paapa Essiedu stars as Severus Snape, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.

Filming will begin this summer at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the familiar setting of the original films. The first season, based on Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, is expected to be released on HBO Max in 2026.