Harry Potter HBO series confirms roles of the three key Hogwarts students have been selected: 'Unique actors'

WATCH HERE: GB News' Entertainment Editor Alex Davies on Paapa Essiedu's casting as Snape in the new Harry Potter series

GB NEWS
Lauren Williams

By Lauren Williams


Published: 27/05/2025

- 16:27

Updated: 27/05/2025

- 17:01

The three main characters have finally been cast and will join the long list of A-list celebrities

The HBO Harry Potter adaptation series announced today that they have finally found the three actors who will take on the roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.

Last year, an open casting call was announced to find the new trio who will embody the Hogwarts students, with tens of thousands of children all turning up for a chance at the dream role.


Many big names have already been confirmed, but it was announced today that the search for the three youngsters had come to an end.

Francesca Gardiner, showrunner, and executive producer, and Mark Mylod, director of multiple episodes and executive producer 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

The three young actors were announced today

HBO

Following in Daniel Radcliffe's footsteps and stepping into the coveted role of the Boy Wizard is Dominic McLaughlin with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

The three young stars will join the already confirmed actors, icludingJohn Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Nick Frost as Hagrid, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, Luke Thallon as Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Filch.

Whilst fans are thrilled that a new instalment of the already popular franchise is in the works, many have taken issue with some of the casting.

One being Frost, who will play the loveable giant Hagrid, and received backlash after the news of his signing was revealed.

JK Rowlng, Daniel Radcliffe, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley

The former actors are well known because of their roles in the films

GETTY

Thrilled to be given the role, the he Shaun Of The Dead star posted a selfie holding a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, writing: "You're a wizard, Harry!!!"

He also paid tribute to the late Robbie Coltrane, who portrayed Hagrid in all eight Harry Potter films before his death in 2022 and added: "Thank you for trusting me with such a loyal, gentle and courageous half-giant like Rubeus Hagrid. Robbie, I promise I won't let you down."

However, Frost's announcement was not well-received by all fans, with many reportedly expressing concern about his decision to participate in a show co-produced by JK Rowling.

The star disabled his Instagram comments after seeing the backlash.

Another actor who has received mixed reviews due to his singing is Essiedu, who is taking on the role of Severus Snape who was previously portrayed by Alan Rickman.

The controversy began when Essiedu signed an open letter supporting trans rights following a UK Supreme Court ruling in April.

Harry Potter

The actod will take on the roles as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley

GETTY

In response to the speculation, Rowling took to X on Monday to clarify her position: "I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn't exercise it if I did," she wrote.

"I don't believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine." (sic)