New faces, fresh magic! Meet the young stars stepping into Hogwarts, as Potterheads sound off online.
The magic is officially back! HBO has unveiled its new cast for the much-anticipated Harry Potter series, and author JK Rowling has given the trio her personal seal of approval. Dominic McLaughlin will don the iconic glasses as Harry, Arabella Stanton will play the brainy Hermione, and Alastair Stout is stepping into Ron Weasley’s shoes.
“All three are wonderful. I couldn’t be happier,” Rowling wrote on X, responding to an excited fan — a notable moment given her very public fallout with the original cast over her controversial views.
Fans had mixed feelings online. While many praised the new leads — especially Arabella for her book-accurate Hermione look — others weren’t thrilled about the casting of Snape, now played by Paapa Essiedu. “They don’t deserve the hate,” said one fan, “but Snape casting is off.”
Some die-hard fans still aren’t sold on the remake, swearing loyalty to the original films. But for many, this new adaptation is a chance to relive the books “page by page,” with each season covering one novel.
Filming kicks off this summer. Whether it’s a hit or a horcrux, Potterheads are already watching every move. Let the sorting begin!
Can’t wait to see Harry Potter again