'Harry Potter' series casts iconic trio: meet the new Harry, Hermione and Ron

AFTER an extensive search that saw over 30,000 aspiring young actors audition for the highly anticipated “Harry Potter” television series, HBO has finally chosen the three wizards who will bring the show to life.  

Dominic McLaughlin will take on the role of Harry Potter, while Arabella Stanton will play the brilliant and resourceful Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout is set to portray the loyal and heartwarming Ron Weasley.

“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," wrote showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer and director Mark Mylod in a joint statement. 

Gardiner and Mylod also extended their gratitude to the vast number of children who auditioned.

The new series aims to be a more faithful representation of J.K. Rowling's beloved books, as compared to previous film adaptations.

HBO has ambitious plans for the show, envisioning a decade-long project that spans seven seasons - one for each book. The casting of the main trio is just the beginning, with further announcements about the supporting cast expected to follow soon.

McLaughlin is no stranger to the entertainment industry, making waves with his upcoming role in “Grow”, a comedy on Sky featuring stars like Nick Frost.

Stanton is well-known for her role as Matilda in the acclaimed “Matilda: The Musical” on the West End, while Stout marks his debut with his role as Ron Weasley.

Joining the trio is an ensemble that includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore and Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall.

Other notable cast members include Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, among others.

Meanwhile, the show's creative team has been navigating the recent controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling, the series' executive producer.

Her views on the transgender community have ignited conversations and criticism, leading HBO’s chief content officer, Casey Bloys, to state that the show remains focused on the narrative rather than personal controversies: “If you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.”

The “Harry Potter” series is gearing up to begin filming this year, aiming for a release projected between late 2026 and early 2027.