J.K. Rowling Shares Her Thoughts on HBO’s New Harry Potter Cast

HBO has finally revealed the actors who will take on the iconic roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione in its upcoming Harry Potter TV series, and J.K. Rowling has made it clear she approves.

The new adaptation is being developed by Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod. It will retell all seven Harry Potter books across a planned 10-year run, with each season dedicated to one book. The project has been in the works for a while, with casting announcements trickling out over the past few months.

Among the earliest names confirmed were Jon Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Hagrid, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. But the real anticipation was around who would play the main trio, and now we know.

Dominic McLaughlin has been cast as Harry Potter, joined by Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

Shortly after the announcement, a fan on X, reached out to Rowling, asking if the new actors are already embraced by the Harry Potter community. Rowling replied: “All three are wonderful. I couldn’t be happier.”

All three are wonderful. I couldn't be happier.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 27, 2025

Rowling is listed as an executive producer on the show and has reportedly had a say in major creative decisions. HBO content chief Casey Bloys told the press that Rowling was heavily involved in selecting the show’s writer and director and that she may continue to give input during production. “She’s been fairly involved,” he said. “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 the ongoing controversy around Rowling’s views on the transgender community, Bloys said: “That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into.” He added that HBO’s focus remains on what’s shown in the series: “The Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That’s our priority—what’s on screen.”

While reactions to the casting have been mixed across social media, the official word from Rowling signals strong support for the actors stepping into these beloved roles. Now, with filming expected to begin soon, all eyes are on how this new version of the wizarding world will come together.

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