Latest news with #Potterheads
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
British legend new frontrunner to play Voldemort after Harry Potter cast updates
A new name has leapt to the front of the race to predict who will play Voldemort in the Harry Potter adaptation for TV. After HBO this week anointed three young actors as Harry, Hermione and Ron for a new generation, speculation has ramped up for who will play the trio's arch nemesis. Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout have been cast in the lead roles to follow in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, after over 30,000 young hopefuls threw their name into the sorting hat at the casting director's office. The production had already shared a swathe of casting announcements, with John Lithgow set to play headmaster Albus Dumbledore, I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu taking on Severus Snape and Nick Frost as Hagrid. The Potterheads are now waiting for the rest of the cast to be announced, with our new Voldemort still missing from the roster. The leading contender for the spot is said to be British actor Tom Hiddleston. No stranger to playing a baddie, Hiddleston is probably best known as Marvel's impish Loki. The 44-year-old is currently leading early predictions, according to Online Betting Guide, who have put him at 1/1 odds. He's followed by Peaky Blinders Cillian Murphy at 6/4, who previously had something of an edge after the original Voldemort actor Ralph Fiennes gave Murphy his blessing. Fiennes was asked to address weeks of speculation Murphy would take over the role during an interview on Watch What Happens Live. Who do you think would be the best Voldemort? He said: 'Cillian is a fantastic actor. That's a wonderful suggestion. I would be all in favor of Cillian. Yeah.' Following Hiddleston and Murphy in the bookies' reckoning is another Marvel star, with Paul Bettany at 3/1. Then in fourth is yet another Marvel alum – maybe willingness to be in one franchise means you're more likely to do it again – with Benedict Cumberbatch at 6/1. This comes after HBO finally shed light on how much the TV adaptation of JK Rowling's smash books is going to cost, after astronomical figures had been bandied about. Senior TV Reporter Rebecca Cook shares her take… Tom Hiddleston's tenure as Loki in the Marvel franchise is riddled (get it) with moments proving he has a strong Voldemort performance in him. Think back to when he went full panto villain at Comic-Con in 2013, emerging from the dark with the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. He's certainly capable of playing a charismatic villain – but there's the risk his charm may soften Voldemort's edges. After all, who didn't end up secretly loving Loki, even before we were meant to? We want someone who's truly terrifying to play Voldemort. Hairs upright on the back of your neck type of thing. Perhaps an actor like Idris Elba would be a better fit, admittedly not currently in the conversation, but with a commanding presence and The Wire's Stringer Bell as proof he knows how to play a complicated villain. The budget reported so far would make the HBO show the most expensive ever to be made, trouncing Prime Video's $465 million (£399 million) price tag for Rings of Power. More Trending The Express reported each episode would cost £75 million to make, boosting the UK economy by billions. However, a source close to the production has now confirmed to Metro that the reported figure is inaccurate. Instead, the production costs will be on a par with Game of Thrones' budget. The eighth season of the show was its most expensive, costing roughly $15 million (almost £12 million at the time) per episode. View More » The Harry Potter TV show will stream exclusively on Max in 2026. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Harry Potter fans annoyed about casting detail no one's got right in 25 years MORE: Here's why fans think Arabella Stanton as new Hermione is 'perfect casting' MORE: The new Harry Potter child stars have confirmed my worst fears
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Prove your Harry Potter knowledge by taking on our quiz about The Boy Who Lived
After the young actors who will play Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the new TV series were announced, we thought it was about time to test your Potter prowess with a quiz With excitement for the upcoming Harry Potter TV series ramping up, we're expecting an influx of new Potterheads right across the UK - and the world. This week, the three key cast members were announced, with Warner Bros and HBO confirming they had found their Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Young Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin will take on the role of the Boy Who Lived. McLaughlin recently secured a spot in BBC series Gifted, which saw 3,000 Scottish children applying to be a part of the show. But he has now won his biggest role yet, and his best friends in the blockbuster wizarding series will be played in the series by Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton. After a lengthy process, show bosses were delighted to find the trio that will follow in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson as the magical youngsters. Francesca Gardiner, the showrunner, and director Mark Mylod said: "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 young stars join global star John Lithgow (Albus Dumbledore), Nick Frost (Rubeus Hagrid), Janet McTeer (Minerva McGonagall), and Paapa Essiedu (Severus Snape). As the generation who grew up reading the books and watching the films as they were released have now reached adulthood, it is hoped the upcoming series will have as big an impact on the youngsters of today. But that's not to say older fans of the wizarding world won't be just as excited. And if that's you, then why not prove yourself by taking on a Harry Potter quiz. Can you tell your Sirius from your Severus? Do you know who was Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher in each of Harry, Ron, and Hermione's school years? If you think you've got what it takes, without needing Professor Slughorn to whip you up some Liquid Luck to help you, then read on below and prove your Potter prowess by smashing this quiz set by our sister title, The Mirror. Good luck! If you can't see the quiz below, click HERE. If you enjoyed this Harry Potter quiz, then you might fancy taking on a few of our other offerings. Are you a lager lover? Prove it by acing our ultimate beer quiz. Or if you fancy showing off, do you think you can be among the 17 per cent who can pass the world's shortest IQ test? And we've also get an even harder challenge; the 10-question quiz that just 1 per cent of Brits get full marks in. If that one seems a bit too tricky, do you think you're smarter than a 10-year-old? Take our 15-question quiz meant for primary school kids and see how you get on. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
New Harry Potter cast unveiled, but the internet has one big concern: 'Their lives won't be the same from here…'
For Potterheads around the globe, the magic is officially back. HBO has finally unveiled the young trio who will step into the iconic shoes of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley in its highly anticipated Harry Potter TV reboot — and the internet is abuzz with opinions, praise, and a touch of anxiety. After a year-long global search and over 30,000 auditions, the chosen ones are in: Dominic McLaughlin will portray the Boy Who Lived, Arabella Stanton will take on the role of the ever-brilliant Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout will wield the wand (and humour) as Ron Weasley. Filming is set to kick off this summer. In an official statement, showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod said: '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.' While many were initially sceptical about rebooting such a beloved franchise, early reactions to the casting reveal have been surprisingly warm. 'Great head of hair on Ron goddamn,' one user said, clearly impressed with Alastair's fiery Weasley vibes. 'Pretty good casting, I must say. Bravo HBO. Personally, I am really excited for the show to see the stuff that they had to skip in movies,' another commented, referencing the deeper storytelling potential of a series. 'They are extremely cute. Best of luck to them, even though I think that this whole project is astoundingly ill-considered,' said one fan, simultaneously supportive and sceptical. Not everyone was feeling the magic, though, especially when it came to the pressure the child actors are now under. 'Honestly, feel bad for them. It's a huge chance, but the internet will be brutal from all sides for a lot of different reasons. Hope they have good parents and they stay offline,' read one particularly empathetic take on Reddit. 'I don't know why this show specifically has made me think a lot about how child actors are treated, but I also feel really bad for them. They are now trapped for a decade or more. If the kid who plays Harry decides after 2 seasons he doesn't want to do it anymore, I have little faith that anyone in his life will support them in quitting the show. These kids are locked in for life, and they aren't old enough to understand that," read another comment. One more commentator said, 'Wish them good luck. Their lives won't be the same from here on out. Also, probably will be compared to the 'Originals' forever, which might make it even harder.' While the spotlight is on the new trio, the supporting cast is just as star-studded. Veteran actor John Lithgow will don the beard as Albus Dumbledore, with Janet McTeer as the sharp and unshakeable Professor McGonagall. Paapa Essiedu brings a new edge to Severus Snape, while Nick Frost is stepping into Hagrid's massive boots. Luke Thallon will portray the jittery Professor Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse joins as the perpetually grumpy caretaker Argus Filch. With Gardiner leading the creative vision and Mylod directing several episodes, the series is being developed in partnership with Warner Bros. Television and Brontë Film and TV. And yes, J.K. Rowling is listed as an executive producer — a decision that's already stirred its share of controversy online. What do you think about the new cast?
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Who Is Arabella Stanton, The New Hermione Granger In HBO's Harry Potter Series
Last Updated: HBO's new Harry Potter TV series reveals Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton as the new trio. Fans eagerly await the magic. The magical world of Harry Potter is returning, this time as a television series. And fans have been experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. It's hard for Potterheads to put into words what it feels like to revisit the magic, but this time with a completely fresh cast. After months of speculation, HBO has finally revealed the young faces who will bring the beloved trio back to life. Dominic McLaughlin will portray Harry Potter, Alastair Stout steps into the shoes of Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton takes on the role of Hermione Granger in the upcoming Harry Potter original TV series. And ever since the big reveal, it's Arabella Stanton—our new Hermione, who has been capturing all the attention. Who is Arabella Stanton? Arabella Stanton, cast as Hermione Granger in HBO's upcoming adaptation, has already made a mark in the world of theatre. Between 2023 and 2024, she played the lead role in Matilda: The Musical on London's West End, wowing audiences with her performance. Just as Emma Watson rose to global fame through this iconic role, Arabella is now stepping into the spotlight as the new Hermione. She joins Dominic McLaughlin (Harry) and Alastair Stout (Ron) to form the next generation of the magical trio. And fans are already curious, will this trio manage to bring back the nostalgia of the wizarding world we all fell in love with? The Casting Process Casting such iconic roles is no easy task. Casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockman went through more than 30,000 auditions to find the perfect trio. '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 showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer/director Mark Mylod. Mylod added, '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." HBO's Big Reveal On May 27, HBO made the official announcement via Instagram, posting the first photo of the new trio. The caption read, "Dear Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, and Mr. Weasley: We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Adding," Please welcome Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley to the HBO Original Series Harry Potter." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Max (@streamonmax) This young trio will join a star-studded cast, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Nick Frost as Hagrid. With a mix of seasoned performers and rising talent, the series promises to be a faithful, detailed adaptation of JK Rowling's original books. Although the release date hasn't been announced yet, the anticipation is sky-high. Whether this new cast can truly revive the magic of the original films is yet to be seen. But for now, Potterheads are keeping their hopes high and their wands ready. First Published: May 28, 2025, 13:10 IST
Mint
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Harry Potter Cast HBO: Author JK Rowling approves Hogwarts' new trio, says ‘Couldn't be happier'
JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter book series, approved the new Harry Potter cast for the HBO television series and said the young trio who'll now play Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley are 'wonderful'. HBO officially announced that Dominic McLaughlin will play the iconic role of Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton will play the clever and brave Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout will play Ron Weasley, Harry's loyal best friend. Responding to a Potterhead, a Harry Potter fan, Rowling said, 'All three are wonderful. I couldn't be happier.' JK Rowling on Harry Potter HBO's casting Notably, things went south between Rowling and the original Harry Potter stars – Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, after the author's transphobic comments went viral. Her views on the trans community were met with criticism from the actors who began their careers as child stars in the Harry Potter films. Most fans were thrilled to see the new Harry Potter cast. However, a few were disappointed by the casting of Hermione Granger and Snape. 'Please tell Dominic, Arabella and Alistair that they are already loved by the fandom and we can't wait to see the show! We wish them all the best and that they have a magic time,' a fan said. Another added: 'Not bad at all. Good luck all of them and that have fun making this for a new generation of Potterheads.' 'Looks great, looking forward for it, I am sure they are gonna be great,' said another fan. A fan highlighted that Arabella, the young girl who'll play Hermione in the HBO series, matches the description of the character in the books. 'Dude, that is not bad. I like that casting. They look right. Even the girl has the teeth Emma Watson did not have, but Hermione is supposed to have.' 'After miscasting Snape, I have no faith at them redeeming themselves,' a disappointed fan said. 'They don't deserve all the hate they will probably get cuz of the awful Snape casting... It's gonna flop idk how people don't get it,' a fan added. However, some fans were unhappy with the remake overall and said, 'A lot of Potter fans will not be watching, I'm one of them.' 'This show will blow, the movies are superior,' added a fan. Filming for the HBO Original Series is set to begin this summer. The show is planned as a faithful adaptation of the books, with each season covering one novel in the series. • Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter • Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger • Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley • John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore • Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape • Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall • Luke Thallon as Quirrell • Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
