HBO Max unveiled its cast yesterday, introducing Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
J.K. Rowling has officially responded to the announcement of the new Harry Potter trio, breaking her silence with a brief yet telling comment: “All three are wonderful. I couldn’t be happier.” The remark, made in response to a fan on X (formerly Twitter), comes amid mounting discussion over HBO’s upcoming series and Rowling’s own involvement as a producer.
HBO Max unveiled its cast yesterday, introducing Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The three were chosen after a global search involving over 30,000 children aged 9 to 11. As part of the casting process, young hopefuls were asked to recite a short poem, designed to test both performance and character presence.
Francesca Gardiner (showrunner and executive producer) and Mark Mylod (director and EP) shared:
“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.”
The trio’s announcement follows earlier cast reveals, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Essiedu’s casting has drawn sharp reactions – from praise for his credentials and inclusive casting to criticism from some fans who argue the choice diverges from the book’s description. Some right-wing outlets framed it as a “DEI move”. He is also applauded for his stance on trans rights, a position notably at odds with Rowling’s.
Rowling, long criticised for her comments on gender identity, has remained a divisive figure. She continues to run her J.K. Rowling Women’s Fund, an anti-trans organisation and remain unapologetic about her views, openly celebrating when the Supreme Court gave its verdict on trans people.
The HBO Max series, billed as a more faithful, season-by-season adaptation of the books, is expected to debut in 2026.
