HBO has revealed who will play Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the Harry Potter TV show – and they’ve got J.K. Rowling’s seal of approval.
The new series, being developed by Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, is expected to adapt all seven books into individual seasons, brought to life across a “10-year journey.”
Casting updates have trickled in since earlier this year, with Jon Lithgow first announced to star as Albus Dumbledore, followed by the likes of Nick Frost as Hagrid and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.
While other actors have been confirmed, everyone has waited with bated breath to see the show’s new main trio – and they’re finally here.
J.K. Rowling says new Harry Potter cast is “wonderful”
Dominic McLaughlin has been cast as Harry Potter, starring alongside Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
After the announcement, a fan tweeted Rowling asking her to tell them they are “already loved by the fandom and we can’t wait to see the show.”
The author responded: “All three are wonderful. I couldn’t be happier.”
Rowling, who’s been criticized in recent years for her views on the transgender community, is an executive producer on the HBO series.
In an earlier statement (via Variety), a spokesperson for the network said: “J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
HBO’s content chief Casey Bloys also said: “She’s been fairly involved. She was very involved in the process of selecting the writer and director, and I imagine she’ll have opinions on casting. It hasn’t affected the casting or hiring of writers and production staff. So we haven’t felt an impact from that.”
When asked about Rowling’s comments about trans people, Bloys said: “That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into.
“Our priority is what’s on the screen. Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That’s our priority – what’s on screen.”
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