Where have you seen the new Harry Potter trio before?
A new Harry, Hermione and Ron have been anointed after a casting search which saw tens of thousands apply to the Harry Potter reboot on HBO.
The TV adaptation is set to start filming this summer, with a decade-long plan to adapt all of writer JK Rowling's seven books into a season a piece.
We finally got word from HBO on who will be starring in the show, after an open casting call to British children aged 9 to 11 drew over 30,000 hopefuls.
The hunt for the next generation of Harry Potter started eight months ago and promised to be 'inclusive to all races, ethnicities and gender identities'.
'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,' said executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod in a statement.
'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 trio confirmed are Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.
So who are the newcomers and where have you seen them before?
Tasked with being the star of the show and the next one to wear the lightning scar, Dominic McLaughlin is a Scottish actor who already has a few roles under his belt.
Dominic featured alongside Game of Thrones' Indira Varma in a Shakespearean production of Macbeth and is set to star in the ensemble cast for Sky film Grow, a pumpkin-centric comedy including Bridgerton's Golda Rosheuvel.
The announcement that Dominic has been cast as Harry Potter prompted his very proud acting school to share their congratulations online.
The Performance Academy Scotland posted on Facebook: 'The news is out and this one is MAGICAL!! https://www.instagram.com/p/DKKcSf6qWLc/?hl=en
'Our amazing young performer has been cast as Harry Potter in the upcoming HBO series. We are not sure this will ever feel real but we said from the start that Dominic was the perfect Harry and we are thrilled for everyone else to see this soon too.
'Dominic, we will forever be proud of you! We have had an incredible journey with you these last five years at TPA and can't wait for what's next on this journey!
'We are extremely proud to represent you and can't wait to go on this Wizarding journey together.
'A massive congratulations to Dominic…our Harry Potter.'
The second child star on the roster is Arabella Stanton, who will follow in Emma Watson's footsteps to play beloved clever clogs Hermione.
Arabella already has starring experience, having played another infamous brainbox: Roald Dahl's character Matilda Wormwood.
Arabella starred in the West End musical production of Matilda in 2023, moonlighting on The One Show as Matilda for World Book Day.
Elsewhere on stage, Arabella appeared in Andrew Lloyd Webber's roller-skate musical Starlight Express in 2024, where she played the part of Control.
Arabella trained with with Guildford School of Acting and the British Theatre Academy, who shared their congratulations on Facebook, writing in a post: 'We are INCREDIBLY proud of alumni Arabella Stanton who has been cast as HERMIONE GRANGER in the upcoming HBO MAX series HARRY POTTER!!
'We cannot wait to see her take on this amazing role!'
The next redhead to play Ron on screen is Alastair Stout, who is a true newcomer with only one role in an advert to date.
Much like Paul Mescal made his TV debut in a sausage advert before his smash turn in Normal People, Alastair had a few seconds of screen time enjoying Jersey Royal spuds.
The company Albert Bartlett's was among those rushing to congratulate the new cast, posting a snap from the advert on official Instagram page.
The caption read: 'Following his appearance in our Jersey Royal advert we would like to congratulate Alastair Stout in his starring role as Ron Weasley in the new HBO Harry Potter series.'
All three can be sure that their roles thus far will be eclipsed by what's to come, as their names will soon be known to millions when the show debuts next year.
While there have been reports the Harry Potter trio are set to make millions, we don't yet have confirmation what their salaries will be for the roles.
Although, the exposure that will come with being the faces of the franchise will be immensely valuable.
It has been compared to 'winning the jackpot' by brand expert Nick Ede, who told the MailOnline: 'It's going to completely change their lives.
'Daniel Radcliffe was paid £1 million for his first film and that went up to £50 million for the last two. It's not just the financial gain but the global fame will also bring endorsements and deals for them.
'It's the best start to an acting career they could ever want, I can only see it going up for them. But it is a lot of pressure to be cast in such a big show. They're going to be superstars globally.
'I can imagine them at least being paid £1 million per series to begin with and then you could even see them commanding £10 to £20 million each by the end of the seventh season – or even more.'
The production has already announced a raft of big names to fill the corridors and elaborate dining hall of Hogwarts.
Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter
Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger
Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley
Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
After rampant speculation John Lithgow was announced as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. The post was originally taken up by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, both of whom have since died.
The other cast members confirmed include I May Destroy You's Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Kaos's Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, as well as Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
Rounding out the announcements thus far are Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch.
JK Rowling still has ownership over key aspects of the Harry Potter IP and will be an executive producer on the show.
Her involvement has been met with controversy amid her staunch anti-trans campaigning, which led to a rift with the original three stars of the films.
HBO's chief content officer Casey Bloys was asked whether there were concerns her views would affect the show on The Town podcast earlier this year.
Bloys said: 'We already have a show on HBO from her called CB Strike that we do with the BBC. It's pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She's entitled to them.
'Harry Potter is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.'
A number of the original Harry Potter cast members are no longer with us, including Robbie Coltrane, Dame Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman.
What's more, any hopes the Harry Potter fans had of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint returning have been dashed by Rowling's public feud with the stars over the last five years.
While we've not yet heard news of any returning cast members from other quarters of Hogwarts, we can't rule it out until the entire cast has been confirmed.
The series promises to be a 'faithful adaptation' of Rowling's books, so if the episodes differ from the films it will only be in allowing a great level of detail which couldn't be achieved in a film's run time. More Trending
When the adaptation was first announced at HBO, a statement promised the show would be 'full of the fantastic detail, much-loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years'.
It continued: 'Each season will be authentic to the original books and bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and beloved films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.'
The Harry Potter TV show will air in 2026.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
View More »
MORE: Pillion review – I experienced one of the filthiest films I've ever seen at Cannes
MORE: TV fans flabbergasted after star actually flies plane in 'insane' finale
MORE: The Last Of Us season 2 finale left me worried about season 3
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Scottish Government chiefs' verdict after Nicola Sturgeon forced to hand over memoir
Documents reveal four copies of 'Frankly' were handed over and will be 'securely held' NIC ALL-WRITE Scottish Government chiefs' verdict after Nicola Sturgeon forced to hand over memoir CIVIL servants spent a month poring over Nicola Sturgeon's memoir for potentially reputation-damaging stories. The ex-SNP leader's book was submitted to the Scottish Government under vetting rules requiring ex-ministers not to write negatively about officials. 1 'Frankly' will hit the shelves on August 14 Credit: INSTAGRAM Documents reveal four copies of 'Frankly' were handed over and will be 'securely held' to avoid leaks before its August 14 release. A senior team including a top aide overseeing ethics reviewed the manuscript in April before signing it off that month. Records also show former First Minister Ms Sturgeon tried to ensure it was kept under wraps. She told the Government: 'I'd be grateful for an indication of what the circulation will be within SG and what steps will be taken to ensure confidentiality.' Scottish Tory deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: 'The public will hope this forensic poring over of Nicola Sturgeon's memoir did not divert from crucial work — or this editing did not dilute it down from being as frank as she claims.' Ministers declined to comment. Ms Sturgeon's spokeswoman said she was 'looking forward' to her autobiography's launch. We told previously the ex-FM has pocketed another £76,500 for her upcoming book through her personal company, Holyrood records show. Sturgeon declared the second of four payments to the Scottish Parliament. Her register of interests states: "On 21 March 2025 my company NICOLA STURGEON LIMITED received a payment of £76,500 made via my literary agent, DHA. This represents the second of four instalments of a book advance from Pan Macmillan of £75,000 (plus VAT and minus agent commission)." She has promised her book will be open and honest about her time as First Minister and her fall-out with her former ally, Alex Salmond.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Inside Dani Dyer and Jarrod Bowen's lavish wedding as bride stuns in £10,000 dress during 'Bridgerton-themed' ceremony
Dani Dyer and Jarrod Bowen tied-the-knot in a lavish 'Bridgerton-themed' wedding ceremony wedding on Friday. The bride, 28, stunned in an elegant £10,000 off-the-shoulder designer gown by Suzanne Neville for the outdoor ceremony. White rose petals lined the aisle, with floral sculptures and candles creating a stunning backdrop which the bride and groom shared a kiss in front of. Taking place in the Buckinghamshire countryside, Dani and Jarrod were joined by 50 of their closest friends and relatives. She was walked down the aisle by her father Danny, who had promised his daughter that he would keep his speech clean. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. An insider told The Sun: 'Danny and Jo were very emotional about Dani getting married. She was their first born and she was there through all the highs and lows. 'They couldn't be more proud and they love Jarrod like a son. Danny walked her down the aisle. Jo joked that they should both do it but they're keeping it traditional. 'Jo made sure Danny's speech wasn't outrageous.' The source added that their wedding gift to their daughter was paying for her hen do and her £10,000 dress. Dani and Jarrod's two-year-old twin daughters were flower girls, with her son Santiago, four, and brother Arty, 11, as page boys. Days before the ceremony, Dani opened up about the touching role her dad Danny would play in her wedding to Jarrod. She told of how her father and beloved EastEnders star would walk her down the aisle in a moment that would be 'filled with emotion'. Speaking on their joint podcast, Live and Let Dyers, Dani revealed she was keeping her wedding dress a surprise from her dad until the big day to honour a special tradition. She was walked down the aisle by her father Danny, who had promised his daughter that he would keep his speech clean (pictured May 11) 'Have you not seen that first look when the dad sees their daughter in their dress and that? Oh, it's lovely,' she shared. 'Yeah, your dad's not meant to see it – it's a moment for the dad as well!' Dani has had a whirlwind few months, filled with two lavish hen parties and all the excitement of getting ready for her big day. Speaking to Heat magazine earlier this week, Dani said: 'I have finally done my table plans now. Until you are in there writing names out, making sure you have tables of 10, it's the most stressful experience ever - that's the only thing I've not enjoyed.' Dani also revealed she will take on a double-barrell surname after the wedding, becoming Dyer-Bowen. She said: 'I am going to keep the Dyer - I am going to do Dani Dyer-Bowen just because of my work. I feel like if I am Dani Bowen, it takes that thing away from me. We are double-barrelling it.' The wedding will undoubtedly be an emotional day for Dani's father Danny, with the reality star saying he and West Ham star Jarrod are very close. 'We've joked so many times that Jarrod is marrying the wrong Dani Dyer!' she said. The mother-of-three added she has really enjoyed the build up to the big day, which included a recent hen night in Ibiza with her pals. Sparing no expense with her lavish nuptials, the bride-to-be shared a glimpse of her wild celebrations on Instagram, which included a boozy brunch, a boat trip and a raucous night in the lavish nightclub Ushuaia. Dani and Jarrod have been dating since 2021 and share twin two-year-old daughters Summer and Star, while Dani also has son Santiago, four, with her ex-boyfriend Sammy Kimmence The reality star has had a whirlwind few months, filled with two lavish hen parties and all the excitement of getting ready for her big day A source told The Sun that Dani really splashed the cash during her hen celebrations, including a VIP night at Ushuaia that cost at least £8,000. The insider said: 'Dani might have flown on a commercial flight but they splashed the cash when they landed. 'She spent Friday night at Ushuaia where they were on a VIP table with a minimum spend of £8,000. The next day they hired a boat to go around the coast before spending the rest of the time chilling at the Hard Rock hotel. 'Dani also had a boozy brunch at Beso Beach where her mates put on Jarrod masks and sang ABBA songs with her. 'They spent their last night at super club Hï Ibiza where they had a VIP booth. There were some sore heads when they touched down at City airport.' Meanwhile, Jarrod jetted off to Las Vegas for his stag do as he prepared to marry the Love Island star. Ahead of the stag, Dani admitted her fears over Jarrod's trip, with her dad Danny joking that there would be strippers. Discussing the plans for the hen and stag parties, the daughter and father duo butted heads over one racy topic. Explaining the timeline on their Live And Let Dyers podcast, Dani explained: 'I literally get back from my Hen on the Monday and then I get married on the Saturday. And if you can go, Jarrod gets back Thursday and then married Saturday.' That's when Danny cheered and shouted out: 'Strippers!,' much to his daughter's dismay. 'No, you're not,' insisted Dani, who went on to explain that at a different Hen she attended, they had a butler in the buff. Dani said: 'We had to draw him, we had to draw the naked man. It's different, it's so different. I don't care.' Not giving in, Danny quipped: 'It's sexism this, this is sexism at its height ladies and gentlemen.' The former Love Island star replied: 'It's not sexist, I'm just saying he was literally standing there in his apron and then you had to draw him. Then he turns around and straddles the chair.'
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Romesh Ranganathan's 'flawed tornado' dad was jailed for fraud when he was teen
Comedian and TV presenter Romesh Ranganathan has spoken of how his family's life was turned upside down when his father, Ranga, was sent to prison for fraud Comedian and TV star Romesh Ranganathan has recalled how his perfect upbringing was turned upside down when his dad Ranga who was imprisoned for fraud. Romesh was a teenager living in Crawley at the time and attending private school, when he and his younger brother and mother were forced to move out of the family home and live in a Bed & Breakfast for some time. Romesh recalled: ' My dad had fallen into financial trouble. What it turns out is that he'd lost his job and he was trying to make money in this sort of Sri Lankan Del Boy way, and it wasn't working out. And he couldn't keep up the mortgage repayments on their house. And they couldn't afford, even with my scholarship, they still couldn't afford the fees at this school I was going to.' Matters came to a head when it became apparent Ranga had also been having an affair and when he disappeared for several days, Romesh was tasked with asking the 'other women' where his dad was, on behalf of his anxious mother. Romesh said: 'She tells us that my dad had been arrested three days previously, and he had been involved in some sort of fraud case. I don't know why we'd not heard, why he'd not got in touch, but this lady knew. 'He ended up going to prison for two years, or just under two years. You know, I remember my dad being convicted and going to prison the day before my birthday. I think it's my 15th birthday. And so my friends are having a party for me. I just went and pretended that wasn't going on because you want some normalcy. 'Because for a while, we moved out of the house, and then a counsellor gave us a room in a bed and breakfast.' Romesh told Lauren Laverne on Desert Island Discs that he would regularly hear his mum crying in this period, and she managed to provide for her sons by getting a job as a cleaner. His father did come back to the family home when he was released from prison and they patched up their relationship over time. Romesh said: 'On my dad's 60th birthday, by that time, our relationship had really kind of improved. I'd had kids at that point, and I saw the way that my dad was being with my children. I was like, I've never seen this side of my dad, and we're in a really good place. My memory of my dad is of like a flawed tornado.' His parents came to the UK from Sri Lanka and Romesh pays tribute to his mother Sivashanthini – known as Shanthi – who kept the family together during his father's absence. Romesh admits that he didn't appreciate the sacrifices she made at the time. Shanthi has since gone on to appear alongside her son on television where she has proved to be a funny and observant sidekick. Romesh believes his late father would have been proud of Shanthi's role as, what he laughingly describes as, 'one of the safest hands in British comedy.' He speaks openly on the Radio 4 programme about his struggles with mental health which started around the time he took his A-Levels. He tells Lauren that he has thought about taking his own life more than once and explains that he saw it as a solution to his emotional turmoil. He reveals that he's experienced serious dark periods at several points during his life but has learned how to manage those times. He says that he talks about the experiences he has been through on stage but explains that talking about it comes with responsibility. 'You got to be careful because it's triggering,' he said. 'I'm trying to destigmatise (mental health) but you do also have to be mindful of the fact that people may have been affected by that and then if I suddenly say I had thoughts about taking my own life and somebody's lost someone through that or they've had those moments themselves, you have to be sensitive to that and you don't always get it right but I think the rewards outweigh the risks.' Rarely off screen, Romesh has presented travel programmes and documentaries, starred in his own sitcom and hosts the Weakest Link on BBC One. He also presents Radio Two's Saturday morning show and another weekly Radio Two programme in which he shares his love of hip hop music, which make up many of his choices when it comes to Desert Island Discs. Romesh addressed his reputation for having a busy workload, he says there is no game plan, he just does 'whatever feels good'. He reveals that he is thinking about taking, what he calls, a step back. Romesh added: 'I want to be at home a bit more." "And by the way, this is not an announcement of retirement, but I do feel like, relatively recently, this is quite fortuitous that we're talking at the time that we are, because I have just hit this period of thinking I am probably going to just be a bit more measured in what I do going forward. And I think I might take, like, a bigger break between bits. A walk in the park could lead to my next stand-up idea. Who knows…I need to fill up my reserves.' His music choices on the show include tracks by Eminem, Public Enemy and Stevie Wonder.
