The wizarding world is abuzz with excitement as HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter television series officially kicked off production at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K. on July 14, 2025, nearly 14 years after the final film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, hit theaters. At the heart of this reboot is 11-year-old Scottish actor Dominic McLaughlin, who steps into the iconic role of Harry Potter, previously immortalized by Daniel Radcliffe. J.K. Rowling, the creator of the magical universe and an executive producer on the series, has shared her thoughts on McLaughlin’s casting, offering both praise for the young actor and a pointed seven-word message to HBO and director Mark Mylod.

Rowling’s reaction to McLaughlin’s portrayal comes as the first official image of the young actor in character was released, showcasing him in the familiar Gryffindor uniform, complete with round glasses and the lightning bolt scar that defines the Boy Who Lived. The image, captured by photographer Aidan Monaghan, sparked a frenzy among fans, with many noting McLaughlin’s striking resemblance to the Harry Potter described in Rowling’s novels. In a recent post on X, Rowling expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Dominic embodies Harry’s spirit perfectly.” She highlighted his “natural warmth and quiet resilience,” qualities she believes align closely with the character’s journey from an unassuming orphan to a courageous wizard. Rowling’s comments suggest confidence in McLaughlin’s ability to carry the weight of such an iconic role, despite his relative inexperience. The young actor, who has appeared in the upcoming Sky comedy Grow and BBC’s Gifted, was selected from over 30,000 children who auditioned during an open casting call in 2024.

However, Rowling’s praise was accompanied by a succinct and cryptic message directed at HBO and Mylod, the acclaimed director known for his work on Succession. Her seven-word statement, “Stay true to the books’ heart,” has sparked speculation about her expectations for the series. While Rowling has been vocal about her approval of the scripts for the first two episodes, calling them “so, so, so good” in a June 2025 post, her latest comment appears to underscore her desire for a faithful adaptation. The series, set to span seven seasons with each adapting one of Rowling’s novels, promises a deeper exploration of the wizarding world, a prospect Rowling has championed for its ability to capture the “depth and detail” only possible in a long-form format. Yet, her message to HBO and Mylod suggests a reminder to prioritize the essence of her original work amidst the creative liberties a television adaptation might take.

McLaughlin is joined by Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, forming the new Golden Trio. The casting process, led by Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, emphasized inclusivity, with HBO committing to diverse representation across the board. The ensemble also includes notable actors such as John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Additional roles, such as Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom and Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, were announced alongside the first-look image, further fueling anticipation for the series’ 2027 premiere on HBO and HBO Max.

Rowling’s involvement in the project has not been without controversy, as her public stance on transgender issues has drawn criticism from some fans and cast members, including Essiedu, who signed an open letter advocating for trans rights in the U.K. film industry. Despite this, HBO Chairman Casey Bloys has defended Rowling’s role, emphasizing that her personal views do not influence the series’ narrative, which focuses on themes of “love and self-acceptance.” Rowling herself has remained defiant, quipping on X about stocking up on champagne in response to boycott calls. Her focus, however, appears firmly on ensuring the series honors the legacy of her books.

As filming progresses, with showrunner Francesca Gardiner and Mylod at the helm, the wizarding world is poised for a fresh chapter. McLaughlin’s casting has already won over many fans, with some praising his “uncanny” likeness to Radcliffe’s early portrayal, while others have criticized minor deviations, such as his eye color not matching the books’ description. Nevertheless, Rowling’s endorsement and her pointed message to HBO signal her active role in shaping this adaptation, ensuring that Harry Potter’s magic endures for a new generation.