Meet Dominic McLaughlin: The New Harry Potter in HBO’s Upcoming Series

HBO’s Harry Potter series has just dropped a magical bombshell, announcing the new trio set to bring J.K. Rowling’s iconic wizarding world to life on the small screen. At the heart of this highly anticipated reboot is Dominic McLaughlin, a young Scottish actor stepping into the legendary role of Harry Potter. For fans eagerly awaiting the series, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who is Dominic McLaughlin? Let’s dive into the details about the new Boy Who Lived and what makes him the perfect fit for this magical journey.

A New Harry Potter Rises

Dominic McLaughlin, a fresh face in the acting world, has been cast as Harry Potter in HBO’s upcoming television series, set to be a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books. The announcement, made on May 27, 2025, also revealed Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, completing the iconic Golden Trio. HBO’s casting call drew over 30,000 young hopefuls, with Dominic emerging as the chosen one to don the lightning scar and wield the wand.

At just 14 years old, Dominic is described as a “screen newcomer,” but his limited yet promising resume suggests he’s ready to take on the challenge of one of the most iconic roles in modern entertainment. His casting has sparked excitement among fans, with many drawing comparisons to a young Daniel Radcliffe, who skyrocketed to fame as Harry in the original film series (2001–2011). Dominic’s ability to convey both vulnerability and courage during auditions reportedly sealed the deal, making him the ideal choice to portray the orphaned wizard navigating the perils of Hogwarts.

Dominic’s Journey to Hogwarts

Hailing from Scotland, Dominic McLaughlin has already made waves in the acting scene, even before landing the role of Harry Potter. He trained for several years at The Performance Academy Scotland, which celebrated his casting with a heartfelt post on Facebook: “Our amazing young performer has been cast as Harry Potter in the new upcoming HBO TV series. We said from the start that Dominic was the perfect Harry, and we are thrilled for everyone else to see this soon too.” The academy’s pride underscores Dominic’s dedication and talent, honed over five years of training.

Beyond the stage, Dominic has already worked alongside some notable names. He’s set to appear in the upcoming Sky comedy Grow, a family-friendly film about a cutthroat pumpkin-growing contest. In Grow, he plays Oliver Gregory and shares the screen with Nick Frost, who will also portray Hagrid in the HBO Harry Potter series, marking an early on-screen reunion for the duo. The film, starring Bridgerton’s Golda Rosheuvel and Priya-Rose Brookwell, is slated for release in 2025, giving fans a chance to see Dominic in action before he steps into Hogwarts.

Dominic is also set to star in the BBC series Gifted, an adaptation of Marilyn Kaye’s novels about teens with superpowers like telekinesis and mind-reading. Playing the character Martin, Dominic will showcase his versatility in this Edinburgh-set drama, further proving his range as a young actor.

A Magical Reunion and a Faithful Adaptation

The HBO series, expected to premiere in 2026 or 2027, promises to dive deeper into the wizarding world than the original films, with each season adapting one of J.K. Rowling’s seven books. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod have expressed their excitement about the new trio, stating, “The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen.”

Dominic’s casting is particularly exciting given his prior collaboration with Nick Frost in Grow. This connection adds a layer of camaraderie to the HBO series, as Frost’s Hagrid will guide Dominic’s Harry through the magical world. The series also boasts a stellar supporting cast, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, ensuring a blend of fresh and seasoned talent.

Why Dominic McLaughlin is the Perfect Harry

What makes Dominic the right choice for Harry Potter? According to casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, his ability to embody Harry’s complex emotions—vulnerability, courage, and determination—stood out during the rigorous audition process. Dominic himself shared his excitement in a recent interview, saying, “It’s a dream come true. I’ve read the books since I was a kid, and getting to play Harry Potter is the honor of a lifetime.” His passion for the source material and his training in both stage and screen performance set the stage for a compelling portrayal.

Fans on social media are already buzzing with enthusiasm. One X post raved, “Dominic McLaughlin is a perfect choice for Harry. Young, fresh, and serious. This reboot might actually work.” Another fan echoed, “Dominic McLaughlin is Harry Potter ⚡️,” capturing the excitement surrounding his casting.

What’s Next for the Wizarding World?

As production gears up this summer, with filming set to take place in the UK (including at Leavesden Studios, the home of the original films), the Harry Potter series is poised to enchant a new generation. Dominic McLaughlin, alongside Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout, will carry the legacy of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, bringing fresh energy to a story that has captivated millions. With J.K. Rowling serving as an executive producer, fans can expect a faithful adaptation that honors the books while exploring new depths of the wizarding world.

For now, keep an eye out for Dominic in Grow later this year, and get ready to follow his journey from a Scottish stage to the halls of Hogwarts. The wizarding world is in good hands with Dominic McLaughlin as the new Harry Potter—let’s wish him luck as he embarks on this magical adventure!