Overview

• HBO confirmed Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley in statements from showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod.
• Filming is slated to begin this summer in the UK as part of a seven-season plan to adapt one Harry Potter book per season.
• The audition process drew over 32,000 submissions from UK and Irish youngsters aged 9 to 11, with casting directors praising the trio’s chemistry and talent.
• Arabella Stanton, whose West End credits include Matilda the Musical, brings a multiracial perspective that producers say adds depth to Hermione’s fight against prejudice.
• HBO disabled comments on its Instagram casting announcement to limit online insults and negative reactions.