New Golden Trio's Passion and Experience Shine

We are a while off from the premiere of the Harry Potter TV remake, but our new Golden Trio is already off to a great start. The HBO series is expected to kick off with season 1 in 2027, and filming is already underway. The internet has had glimpses at a few of the characters in full costume, and it certainly looks as if things are shaping up nicely. Additionally, our new Golden Trio has begun giving interviews.

The parts of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter remake have gone to Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout, respectively. These young stars have only begun to dip their toes into their acting careers. This means we are all naturally eager to see what they are made of—it’s a lot of pressure for performers so young.

Stepping into the shoes of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint won’t be easy. The Harry Potter fandom is sure to be intensely critical of anything new within this franchise, and children are, unfortunately, unlikely to be exempt. Still, we’ve already seen a great deal of promise from these new actors, not in their performances, but in their passion and experience.

Dominic McLaughlin Has Revealed That He Was Already A Fan Of Harry Potter

Hermione, Harry, and Ron actors for the Harry Potter show smiling

In recent months, we have seen several images of McLaughlin as Harry Potter around the internet. HBO posted an image of the actor in full costume, and set images showing McLaughlin with the Dursleys (Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby) and Hagrid (Nick Frost) have made their way just about everywhere. However, this was about the extent of what we knew about the actor.

Now, finally, McLaughlin has given his first real interview since being cast in Harry Potter. When asked about how it felt to put on his costume for the first time, McLaughlin stated that it was “a bit surreal,” going on to explain that he had been a fan of Harry Potter since he was (even) younger. “It was like the dream role, of course,” McLaughlin said, “so I’m thrilled to be able to be doing it.”

Though these words are what we would expect any actor to say about such a role, McLaughlin’s answer and demeanor are palpably sincere. The young actor radiates gratitude and excitement. Of course, it’s also evident that he is a bit nervous, but that only adds to our endearment toward him. It’s excellent to see that this isn’t just a big tole for McLaughlin. He is a fan of Harry Potter, getting the opportunity of a lifetime.

Arabella Stanton Has Already Played Hermione Granger In A Major Production

McLaughlin isn’t the only Harry Potter actor off to a good start. Stanton, who will play Hermione Granger in the TV remake, has already proven her chops. Not only did this young star play the similar character of Matilda Wormwood in the West End production of Matilda the Musical, but she has already played Hermione in a major production.

Audible and Pottermore Publishing recently announced (via Variety) a full-cast audiobook production of each of the Harry Potter books, the first of which will be released on December 16, 2025. Massive names have been attached to the project, with Hugh Laurie voicing Albus Dumbledore, Matthew Macfadyen as Lord Voldemort, and more. Stanton has joined these exceptional stars to lend her voice to Hermione.

McLaughlin and Stout will not be participating in the full-cast Harry Potter audio productions. The voices of Harry and Ron will be provided by Frankie Treadaway and Max Lester.

Production for the full-cast Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone wrapped in early 2025, so Stanton has already completed a full installment in her role. This is truly exciting. Long before she ever put on her full costume, this actor had a chance to fully familiarize herself with Hermione’s character. Moreover, this is a sign that Stanton will have a deeper understanding of the Harry Potter books before she appears on screen.

Why Actors With Passion & Experience In The Harry Potter Franchise Are So Important

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) looking nervous in the Harry Potter movies

One of the major disadvantages of adapting the Harry Potter books to the screen is that the primary characters are all children. It’s a challenge to find young actors who can look and sound believable in their roles, especially within such a popular franchise. It’s for precisely this reason that the Harry Potter movies brought in so many A-list actors for the adult roles. It was needed to balance the children’s performances.

The Harry Potter remake has a slight advantage over the movies in this regard. The franchise as a whole has been a staple of global popular culture for decades, so most young actors vying for a part are sure to have some familiarity with it. Still, it was never guaranteed that our new Golden Trio would be fans of Harry Potter. We definitely couldn’t have hoped that one would even have prior experience playing her role.

Though we haven’t yet heard from Stout, it’s simply comforting to know that the other two members of the Golden Trio have such a strong foundation. My hope is that this will save them from some of the harshest among the Harry Potter fandom. If their love for the story and previous experience can shine through, everything should work out just fine.