In a moment that has sent waves of excitement through the global Harry Potter fandom, 11-year-old Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin has stepped into the spotlight as the new face of the Boy Who Lived in HBO’s highly anticipated television series adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved wizarding saga. Speaking for the first time about his casting at the Edinburgh International Film Festival while promoting his upcoming film Grow, McLaughlin’s words captured the awe and enthusiasm of a lifelong fan tasked with embodying one of pop culture’s most iconic characters. “It’s a little bit surreal, to be honest, because I was always a huge ‘Harry Potter’ fan growing up,” he told BBC News. “And of course, it’s a dream role, so I’m really excited to be taking it on.” His heartfelt sentiment, paired with his fresh-faced charm, has ignited hope that this reboot, set to premiere in 2027, will honor the magic of Rowling’s world while carving a new path for a generation of fans.
McLaughlin’s journey to Hogwarts began with an open casting call in September 2024, which saw over 32,000 young actors from the UK and Ireland vie for the roles of Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. After months of auditions, workshops, and trips to London, McLaughlin, a student at the Performance Academy Scotland, was announced as Harry in May 2025, alongside Arabella Stanton as Hermione and Alastair Stout as Ron. The trio, all newcomers with minimal prior credits, were handpicked by casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann under the creative direction of showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod. “The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold,” Gardiner and Mylod said in a joint statement, fueling anticipation for their onscreen chemistry. McLaughlin’s prior role as Oliver Gregory in the Sky comedy Grow, alongside Nick Frost—who plays Hagrid in the series—offered an early glimpse of his screen presence, but it’s his lifelong love for Harry Potter that seems to resonate most with fans.
The HBO series, produced in association with Warner Bros. Television and Brontë Film and TV, promises a faithful adaptation of Rowling’s seven books, with each season dedicated to one novel. Filming began in July 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, and the first image of McLaughlin in Harry’s Gryffindor uniform, complete with round glasses and a hidden scar, was released on July 14, sparking a frenzy on social media. Fans have compared him to Daniel Radcliffe, who defined the role across eight films, though some noted McLaughlin’s lack of green eyes—a detail from the books. Despite minor criticism, support for the young actor has been overwhelming, with the Performance Academy Scotland praising him as “the perfect Harry.” The series boasts a stellar adult cast, including John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Frost as Hagrid, setting the stage for a rich reimagining of Hogwarts.
McLaughlin’s casting marks a personal triumph. A self-professed Potterhead, he grew up immersed in the books and films, dreaming of the wizarding world. His playful confidence shone through when asked which adult roles he’d like to play in a future reboot. “Dumbledore would be fun—he’s a funny guy. Voldemort would be fun too,” he quipped, showing a spark that suggests he can handle the weight of Harry’s journey from an orphaned Muggle-raised boy to the wizarding world’s savior. Filming, which will continue through spring 2026, has already taken McLaughlin to iconic locations like London Zoo and Borough High Street, where he was spotted with Frost. To accommodate his role, he’s enrolled in a mini-school during filming breaks, a testament to the decade-long commitment this series demands.
The reboot, expected to span ten years, aims to delve deeper into Rowling’s world, though her involvement as an executive producer has sparked debate due to her controversial views. HBO CEO Casey Bloys has emphasized that the series focuses on the story, not her personal stances. For McLaughlin, the focus remains on the magic. His enthusiasm—rooted in a childhood love for Hogwarts—has fans buzzing with anticipation. As he steps into Harry’s shoes, carrying the legacy of a franchise that shaped millions, McLaughlin’s “surreal” journey is just beginning, promising a fresh yet familiar adventure when the series debuts in 2027.
