HBO reveals Dominic McLaughlin’s first look as Harry Potter as filming begins for the new series.
The wait is over—HBO has officially begun filming its much-anticipated ‘Harry Potter’ series, and the very first look at newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as the Boy Who Lived is finally here. The young actor, handpicked to portray Harry Potter in this rebooted TV adaptation, has already created a buzz online with his striking resemblance to the character and the original portrayal by Daniel Radcliffe.
In a single still that has gone viral on social media, McLaughlin is seen wearing Hogwarts robes, clutching a wand, and standing at the gates of what looks like a modernized yet magical version of the Hogwarts castle. The image has sparked nostalgia and curiosity in equal measure, igniting debate among fans of the original franchise.
The new HBO Max series is aiming to retell J.K. Rowling’s entire seven-book saga, this time with a new cast and deeper storytelling spread over multiple seasons. While the original eight-film series focused on condensing each book into a few hours, this long-form format is expected to give the story more space to breathe and evolve—especially the details that were skipped or changed in the films.
Dominic McLaughlin, only 14 years old, was selected after a global search that reportedly involved thousands of young actors. Sources close to the casting process say that McLaughlin stood out not just because of his physical resemblance to the character, but for his quiet intensity, screen presence, and emotional depth. According to showrunner Francesca Gardiner, “He doesn’t just play Harry—he understands Harry. From the first audition, we knew he had the magic.”
This new adaptation will be closely aligned with the tone of the books. HBO is aiming for a darker, more mature exploration of the wizarding world, especially in later seasons. The first season is based on Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and will include iconic sequences like Harry’s first trip to Diagon Alley, the Sorting Hat ceremony, and his first showdown with Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest.
While McLaughlin’s look has received praise from many fans, others are skeptical—especially those who still associate the role of Harry Potter with Daniel Radcliffe. However, as history shows, skepticism is often the first step before admiration. Many doubted Radcliffe’s casting two decades ago, yet he went on to become a cultural icon.
Besides McLaughlin, other key cast members are expected to be revealed soon, including who will play Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Dumbledore, and Snape. HBO has remained tight-lipped about the rest of the cast, but reports suggest several high-profile British actors have been approached for major roles.
Behind the scenes, the production is pulling out all stops. Filming is taking place at the newly built Leavesden Studios extension in the UK, where state-of-the-art sets recreate Hogwarts in intricate detail. Sources say that the creators are committed to practical effects over CGI where possible, aiming to recapture the charm and authenticity of early 2000s cinema with a modern visual upgrade.
J.K. Rowling is reportedly involved as an executive producer, though her exact level of creative control is still unknown. HBO has stated that her input will be “foundational” but that the writing team will have freedom to adapt the material with care.
This reboot marks a massive investment for HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery, both financially and creatively. The series is seen as a flagship project meant to reignite interest in the Wizarding World after the Fantastic Beasts franchise lost momentum. If successful, the show could open doors to more spinoffs, including a possible prequel series on the Marauders or the founding of Hogwarts.
The fanbase, however, remains divided. While many are excited about the chance to experience the magical world again in richer detail, some question whether a reboot was necessary at all. “Do we really need another Harry Potter when the originals still hold up?” asked one user on X (formerly Twitter). Others feel that this is an opportunity for a whole new generation to discover the magic of Hogwarts.
HBO’s gamble on a serialized adaptation could pay off if it balances nostalgia with innovation. So far, the buzz around McLaughlin’s reveal suggests the project is off to a promising start.
The first season is expected to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027, with a teaser trailer likely dropping sometime next year. Until then, fans will be dissecting every frame, costume, and casting rumor with eager anticipation.