Wands at the ready, Potterheads! HBO has just unveiled the first magical glimpses of Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and Nick Frost as Hagrid in the highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series—and the internet is already buzzing with excitement.
Filming has officially begun at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the same hallowed grounds where the original movies were brought to life. And with these first-look photos, it’s clear that the new adaptation is casting its spell with a mix of nostalgia and fresh energy.
Meet the New Boy Who Lived: Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter
Eleven-year-old Dominic McLaughlin has stepped into the iconic round glasses and Gryffindor robes, becoming the next actor to take on the legendary role of Harry Potter. The first image shows him in full Hogwarts regalia, complete with the lightning scar and a slightly awestruck expression—as if he’s just been told, "Yer a wizard, Harry!" for the very first time .
McLaughlin was chosen from a staggering 30,000 child actors, proving he’s got the magic chops to fill Daniel Radcliffe’s shoes. Alongside him, newcomers Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger) and Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley) will round out the Golden Trio, bringing a new dynamic to the beloved characters.
Nick Frost as Hagrid: A Giant Transformation!
If you thought Nick Frost was just the lovable goofball from Shaun of the Dead, think again. The first look at him as Rubeus Hagrid is nothing short of spellbinding. Dressed in the half-giant’s signature shaggy beard, wild hair, and oversized coat, Frost looks like he’s stepped straight out of the Forbidden Forest .
Frost has big boots to fill (literally, given Hagrid’s size), but he’s already promised to bring his own charm to the role. "I’m never going to try and be Robbie [Coltrane]," he told Collider. "I want [Hagrid] to be funny and cheeky and scared and protective and childlike." And judging by the first photo, he’s nailed the warm, gruff energy that makes Hagrid so beloved .
The Stellar Cast: From Dumbledore to Snape
The series isn’t just about the kids—HBO has assembled an all-star adult cast to bring Hogwarts’ faculty to life:
- John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore (who joked this role will "define the last chapter of my life") .
- Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, sparking both excitement and debate among fans .
- Janet McTeer as the stern but caring Minerva McGonagall.
- Plus, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch—because no Hogwarts is complete without its grumpy caretaker!
What We Know About the Series
This isn’t just a remake—it’s a faithful, book-accurate adaptation, with each season covering one of the seven Harry Potter novels. That means deeper dives into subplots, more magical creatures, and (hopefully) Peeves the Poltergeist finally making his debut!
J.K. Rowling is heavily involved as an executive producer, ensuring the series stays true to her vision. And with Succession director Mark Mylod at the helm, expect a mix of whimsy and drama that’ll keep both new fans and die-hard Potterheads hooked .
When Can We Watch?
Patience, young wizard. The series is set to premiere in 2027 on HBO and Max, with filming expected to span nearly a decade to cover all seven books. But with these first looks, the magic is already beginning—and we’re here for every enchanting moment.
What do you think of the new cast? Are you Team Frost as Hagrid, or still missing Robbie Coltrane? Drop your thoughts in the comments—and keep your eyes peeled for more updates as we count down to 2027!
