J.K. Rowling Endorses HBO’s New Harry, Ron & Hermione: “All Three Are Wonderful”

Oh. My. Merlin. After literal months of speculation, wishlists, TikTok fancasts, and enough Reddit threads to fill the Hogwarts library, HBO has officially unveiled the new golden trio for its upcoming Harry Potter television adaptation. The internet is in full-on Expelli-YAY-mus mode.

Drumroll, please. Dominic McLaughlin will don the round glasses as The Boy Who Lived, Arabella Stanton is stepping into the bushy-haired brilliance of Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout will bring ginger realness to our favorite emotionally-repressed bestie, Ron Weasley.

Yes, J.K. Rowling herself has weighed in. More on that in a second. Let’s unpack this Gringotts-level vault of news.

A Decade of Magic: What We Know About the Series

Developed by Francesca Gardiner (Succession, His Dark Materials) and directed by the always-make-it-iconic Mark Mylod, HBO’s take on Harry Potter is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious prestige projects of the decade. The plan? Each of J.K. Rowling’s seven books gets its own season. That’s ten years of magic, trauma, Triwizarding, and teen wizard hormones.

The series has been slowly conjuring up its cast list since last year. While the excitement was bubbling like a cauldron full of Felix Felicis, the big question always remained. Who on Earth (or Hogwarts) would dare follow in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint?

Meet the New Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley

Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter)
A relative newcomer with a stormy screen presence and what casting insiders described as a “quiet ferocity,” McLaughlin has reportedly been in wand training since March and has already nailed Harry’s signature broody stare. Gryffindor girls, brace yourselves.

Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger)
A breakout theatre star with a reputation for scene-stealing monologues and next-level intellect, Stanton is expected to bring a modern flair and unapologetic boss energy to Hermione. In short, she’s that witch.

Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley)
British to his core and reportedly hilarious in real life, Stout’s casting has warmed even the iciest Slytherin hearts. With his big doe eyes and chaotic sidekick charm, Ron fans can finally unclench.

Rowling Weighs In, and Twitter (Sorry, X) Erupted

Following the casting drop, a fan tweeted Rowling directly asking her to “reassure these kids that the fandom loves them already.” The author, who has remained somewhat elusive during pre-production, finally responded:

“All three are wonderful. I couldn’t be happier.” – @jk_rowling

While the comment was brief, it landed like a Nimbus 2000 on the fandom timeline and gave the trio a much-needed early vote of confidence. This is especially important considering the intense scrutiny anyone attached to the Potter franchise faces in this era.

The Rowling Discourse: Still Complicated. Still Loud.

Let’s talk about the thestral in the room.

Rowling, who has drawn criticism in recent years for her comments about the transgender community, is still listed as an executive producer on the HBO series. That decision, while controversial, hasn’t wavered.

In a prior Variety interview, an HBO spokesperson stated:

“J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We remain focused on developing the series, which will benefit from her involvement.”

Meanwhile, HBO content chief Casey Bloys added that Rowling was “fairly involved” in selecting both writer and director and might weigh in on casting. When asked directly about whether her views affected hiring, Bloys answered:

“Her views haven’t impacted casting or hiring decisions. We’ve felt no disruption.”

Pressed further about Rowling’s trans-related commentary, Bloys offered a predictably diplomatic take:

“That’s a very online conversation. Nuanced and complicated. Our priority is what’s on screen. The Harry Potter story is about love, self-acceptance, and positivity. That’s what we’re focusing on.”

Translation? HBO is trying to conjure a clean slate while keeping the original creator close enough to guide the broomstick.

The Rest of the Cast: It’s Giving Prestige Wizard

If you’re still stuck on the idea of a reboot, let’s just review the supporting cast that’s already been announced and screamed about on TikTok:

• Jon Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore. A shockingly un-bearded departure from tradition, but HBO’s clearly going for Emmy prestige energy.
• Nick Frost as Hagrid. Jolly, warm, a bit chaotic. Perfect casting? Probably.
• Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Fans are obsessed with the choice, calling it “genius-level Shakespearean villain potential.”

Needless to say, this isn’t your millennial cousin’s Hogwarts. This cast is diverse, drama-trained, and more HBO-core than CW-fantasy.

What Next For Hogwarts?

Now that our golden trio has arrived, it’s only a matter of time before teaser trailers drop, more cast members are confirmed (we’re looking at you, Draco), and Hogwarts houses around the world begin prepping for Sorting Watch Parties.

If you’re feeling skeptical, hopeful, or a little bit both, same. But at the very least, the magic is back on screen and this time, it’s being treated with the glossy, prestige-level attention it always deserved.

Until then, dust off your robes, recharge your wands, and try not to faint if Jude Law gets cast as Lucius Malfoy. We’re not saying it’s happening, but imagine.

BONUS: What Else Is Coming to HBO in 2025?

• The Last of Us Season 3
• Euphoria spin-off (finally confirmed)
• Succession prequel (working title: “Royals”)
• Dune: The Sisterhood
• True Detective Season 5, starring Jessica Chastain

Get ready, girlies. 2025 is the year TV becomes transfiguration-level magical.