Dominic McLaughlin, a Scottish newcomer, steps into Daniel Radcliffe’s iconic role as Harry Potter in HBO’s 2026 series.
Credit: Left image via HBO and right image via warner brosHBO sent the wizarding world into a frenzy by announcing Dominic McLaughlin as the new Harry Potter on May 27, 2025, in their upcoming TV series, a bold reimagining of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books. This Scottish newcomer, just 11 years old, is set to inherit the mantle of the “Boy Who Lived,” a role immortalized by Daniel Radcliffe across eight blockbuster films.
Filming kicks off this summer at Warner Bros. Studios, England, and a 2026 premiere looms. McLaughlin faces the daunting task of carrying forward a legacy that defined a generation. The anticipation surrounds how this young actor will make the iconic role his own while navigating Radcliffe’s impressive legacy.
Dominic McLaughlin: The new Harry Potter star has Scottish roots
Dominic McLaughlin, a relative unknown actor from Scotland, is stepping into one of the most coveted roles in television. Selected from over a thousand audition tapes, his casting reflects HBO’s commitment to fresh talent, mirroring the approach that launched Radcliffe’s career when he was just 11.
McLaughlin’s prior credits include a role as Oliver Gregory in the upcoming Sky comedy Grow, alongside Nick Frost (who’ll play Hagrid in the series), and a part in the BBC’s action-adventure series Gifted. He also performed in a 2024 production of Macbeth at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, opposite Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma, showcasing early stage experience. (Via STV News)
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Along with him, HBO also found the perfect child actors to play Hermione and Ron, who will be played by Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout, respectively. The showrunner, Francesca Gardiner, is quite thrilled to get the three actors on board and expressed her excitement by saying:
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. (Via Variety)
Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry Potter was a cultural phenomenon, embodying the curious, brave, and loyal wizard for a decade. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod described McLaughlin as a “unique actor.” He must capture that same spark while forging his own path.
Dominic McLaughlin is poised to carry Harry Potter‘s legacy forward
Daniel Radcliffe‘s portrayal of Harry Potter, starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001, set a gold standard. At 12, he brought a quiet intensity and relatability to Harry Potter’s vulnerability. Radcliffe grew up on screen, navigating fame while being loved by millions for his character in the Wizarding World.
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However, McLaughlin isn’t here to mimic Radcliffe’s journey but to create his own while honoring the character’s legacy. The HBO series, spanning a decade with each season adapting one book, offers more room to explore Harry’s nuances, from his battles with Voldemort to his quieter moments of doubt and friendship.
Unlike the films’ time constraints, the series’ long-form format allows McLaughlin to delve into Harry’s growth, potentially highlighting unseen facets of the character. With J.K. Rowling as executive producer and a cast including John Lithgow as Dumbledore, McLaughlin has a robust support system to help him shine.
For fans, McLaughlin’s casting will surely feel like a full-circle moment, echoing Radcliffe’s journey from a young British actor to a global star. Yet, the pressure on young Scottish actors is undeniable, as he has a million wizarding world fans to cater to.
HBO’s Harry Potter TV series reboot is scheduled to be aired in 2026.
