Harry Potter HBO Series Reveals Lead Actor—You Won’t Believe Who’s Joining the Cast

How many times can one set of lightning-shaped scars and round spectacles be reborn before nostalgia turns to déjà vu? Apparently, at least once more—because, after a 14-year spell in the pensive, HBO is summoning a whole new trio of wizards to take on the hallowed (and sometimes haphazardly explained) halls of Hogwarts . Sure, we’ve watched Harry, Hermione, and Ron grow up, save the wizarding world, and make us all wish our school served pumpkin pasties instead of soggy cafeteria pizza. But this time, Francesca Gardiner (yes, that Succession genius who knows a thing or two about family drama) and Mark Mylod are promising something new—a wand-waving, true-to-the-books retelling with all the weirdest bits they left out of the movies. Will this reboot cast a spell or just make us miss Hagrid’s beard even more? If I had a sickle for every reboot announced since 2020, I could probably bribe a goblin, but honestly…I’m buzzing to see what this ambitious magic act pulls from its hat . LEARN MORE

After 14 years, we have a new Harry Potter, as HBO have confirmed who will be playing the iconic trio of Harry and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.

The HBO show will be a retelling of the Harry Potter books, with the show runner Francesca Gardiner being brought over from being a producer on Succession.

She will be joined by Mark Mylod, who will be directing many of the episodes, and was also a major part of the hit HBO show alongside Gardiner.

The TV show have been promised to be a more accurate depiction of the books, with the longer screen time allowing aspects that were cut from the movies to be included.

The students cast in Harry Potter’s HBO reboot

Actors for Harry, Hermione, and Ron have been confirmed today.

The original trio have been replaced (Warner Brothers)

Hermione will be played by Arabella Stanton, Ron will be played by Alastair Stout, and the titular lead role will be played in the series by Dominic McLaughlin.

Mylod and Gardiner said in a statement provided by HBO Max: “After an extraordinary search led by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are delighted to announce we have found our Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

“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. It’s been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there.”

The teachers (and one groundskeeper) cast in Harry Potter’s HBO reboot

Essiedu is confirmed to be one of the show’s stars (Dave Benett via Getty Images)

Many of the adult cast have already been confirmed ahead of the show’s reboot.

The first news to break confirmed that Paapa Essiedu will be playing the potions professor Severus Snape.

Two other major roles were revealed previously, and they’re likely to share a great deal of scenes with the main trio. Janet McTeer will star as McGonagall, with Nick Frost set to play gruff groundskeeper Hagrid.

Perhaps the most major casting yet is John Lithgow, who will be appearing as Albus Dumbledore.

Lithgow poignantly said in an interview of taking the role: “It was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited.”

The other roles confirmed for the show is Quirell, who will be played by Luke Thallon, and Paul Whitehouse, who will be playing Argus Filch.