Actor Spotlights are features examining the careers and impacts of talented performers working in film and television. The latest looks at Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout – the leads of HBO’s Harry Potter TV series.
Be sure to check out our earlier Actor Spotlight features. They cover stars like Jensen Ackles, Jack Quaid, Titus Welliver and more.
Three brand new faces will soon enter the world of Harry Potter alongside a new generation – but who are they?
On May 27, fans finally learned who’d landed the coveted roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione in HBO’s highly anticipated TV series.
An open casting call was announced last year, while more than 30,000 children auditioned.
Screen newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton are officially the new Golden Trio. But what do we know about them?
Let’s take a closer look at the soon-to-be new leads of this enduring franchise.
Dominic McLaughlin
Dominic McLaughlin is officially the new Harry Potter. He is, of course, following in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe‘s iconic portrayal across eight beloved movies.
The young actor hails from Scotland and is set to appear in two further TV series in the coming months. These are BBC action adventure series Gifted and Sky comedy Grow.
Meanwhile, McLaughlin also has a fun coincidental similarity to Daniel Radcliffe. Before Potter, Radcliffe starred opposite the late Dame Maggie Smith in BBC’s David Copperfield.
As for our new star, he stars alongside Nick Frost in his upcoming project Grow. It is unclear how much screen time, if any, that the two shared.
Having grown attached to Radcliffe’s performance over two decades, fans may find it challenging to accept a new actor as Harry.
But how will McLaughlin embody or re-define the character? It’s a daunting task, but how it’ll play out remains to be seen.
Arabella Stanton
Rising actress Arabella Stanton has landed the role of Gryffindor’s brainy, sometimes know-it-all Hermione Granger.
She will of course succeed Emma Watson, who made the character her own throughout the original movies.
11-year-old Stanton is no stranger to bookworm characters. The young actress previously played the title role in the West End’s Matilda the Musical. She appeared in the role from 2023 to 2024.
Theatre-goers may have also encountered her as the Narrator in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s play Starlight Express at Wembley Park Theatre.
Although Arabella hasn’t addressed her Harry Potter casting yet, she previously reflected on landing the role of Matilda.
Writing on Instagram, she shared: “I started auditioning for Matilda the Musical the week after my 9th birthday and feel so lucky and honoured to have spent the age of 9 being able to play Matilda Wormwood at the Cambridge Theatre, London for the Royal Shakespeare Company (and at Buckingham Palace for an extra special performance at the BBC 500 Words Final).”
She continued: “Being able to play the part of Matilda as my West End debut has been incredible… dreams really can come true!”
Alastair Stout
Rounding out the core trio is Alastair Stout, playing Harry’s fellow Gryffindor and loyal best mate Ron Weasley.
In comparison to his new co-stars, Stout has limited known experience. He played “Son at Dinner” in Albert Bartlett’s ‘Roll On Jersey Royal Season’ advertisement.
In this sense Stout shares a parallel with Rupert Grint – who made his professional acting debut with the first Harry Potter film.
Urban Talent, who represent Stout, reacted to his casting: “We couldn’t be prouder of ALASTAIR STOUT who will be your new Ron Weasley in HBO Original Series Harry Potter!
“It’s safe to say his dedication, impeccable humour and natural talent will win the hearts of many.
“Lets see what adventures lie in store for Harry, Rone & Hermione!
“Platform 9 3/4 this way!”
What did producers have to say?
Alongside the announcement, showrunner Francesca Gardiner (showrunner, executive producer) and director/EP 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.”
Harry Potter (HBO) cast – so far
– Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter
– Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley
– Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger
– John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore
– Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall
– Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape
– Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
– Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
– Luke Thallon as Professor Quirinus Quirrell
Further cast members
McLaughlin, Stanton and Stout join an already impressive line-up of adult cast members for the series.
John Lithgow – an Emmy, Golden Globe, Olivier and Tony Award-winner – will play Hogwarts’ powerful Headmaster, Professor Albus Dumbledore.
The actor, 79, confirmed his casting to ScreenRant earlier this year, prior to the official announcement.
In a fun coincidence, Lithgow shares a birthday with his immediate predecessor, the late Michael Gambon. Both actors were born on October 19, although in different years.
Rounding out the series regulars are Janet McTeer (Minerva McGonagall), Paapa Essiedu (Severus Snape) and Nick Frost (Rubeus Hagrid).
Joining them in recurring roles are Paul Whitehouse (Argus Filch) and Luke Thallon (Professor Quirrell).
As of writing, several major season one roles are not yet cast – including the Dursleys, Draco Malfoy, Molly Weasley and Neville Longbottom.
Fans will have to wait and see who will portray these characters…
Follow writer Conor O’Brien on X.
A lifelong TV and Film buff, Conor founded Courageous Nerd in 2019. He has conducted hundreds of interviews for the site, as well as written comprehensive feature articles on a variety of topics. You can find him on X: @conorrcn.
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