Dominic McLaughlin Debuts as Harry Potter: HBO’s Wizarding Reboot Enters Production

HBO has officially kicked off production on the eagerly anticipated Harry Potter television series, debuting its first official look of Dominic McLaughlin—a new “Chosen One”—dressed in Hogwarts robes, round glasses, and a lightning scar. The image, released via the network’s Instagram with the caption “First‑years, step forward,” confirms principal photography at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK. The premiere is set for 2027.

Joining McLaughlin are Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, all selected from a casting search that included over 30,000 young actors. Veteran talent is also on board: John Lithgow plays Dumbledore, Janet McTeer stars as McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Nick Frost takes on Hagrid, alongside other notable roles including Neville, Dudley, Madam Hooch, and Ollivander.

Series showrunner Francesca Gardiner (Succession, His Dark Materials) and director Mark Mylod promise a faithful, book-by-book adaptation spanning seven seasons across a decade, focusing on deeper character arcs, richer storytelling, and lavish production values. J.K. Rowling continues as executive producer and praised the first two scripts as “SO, SO, SO GOOD!”.

As excitement builds, fans have responded enthusiastically online, declaring McLaughlin “looks the part” and celebrating the return to Hogwarts with open arms.