HBO Reveals First Image of New Harry Potter Series, Featuring Dominic McLaughlin as the Boy Who Lived
On Monday, July 14, 2025, HBO officially unveiled the first image from its highly anticipated Harry Potter series, giving fans a first look at Dominic McLaughlin as the young wizard who survived. The image features the 11-year-old actor wearing Harry’s iconic round glasses, the lightning-shaped scar, and the Hogwarts uniform, while holding a clapperboard — officially marking the start of filming.
Though simple, the photo sparked a wave of excitement and nostalgia across social media, signaling the beginning of a new era in the Wizarding World.
What the Image Reveals About the Harry Potter Reboot
In addition to introducing the new lead, the image confirms that principal photography is officially underway at studios across the United Kingdom. The casting of Dominic McLaughlin reflects HBO’s aim to deliver a fresh yet faithful portrayal of the beloved character, one that stays more closely aligned with the original books.
Unlike the films released between 2001 and 2011, this reboot will dedicate one full season to each book in the series, allowing for a deeper and more detailed adaptation. HBO has already announced plans for 10 seasons, with a premiere set for 2027.
Main Cast and Creative Team
Alongside McLaughlin, HBO also revealed the rest of the iconic trio:
- Ron Weasley – played by Alastair Stout
- Hermione Granger – played by Arabella Stanton
The supporting cast includes some notable names:
- John Lithgow as Professor Dumbledore
- Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall
- Paapa Essiedu as Professor Snape
- Nick Frost as Hagrid
These casting choices hint at a bold and high-quality reinterpretation of the Harry Potter universe, blending seasoned talent with promising new faces.
The creative team is equally impressive:
- Showrunner: Francesca Gardiner (His Dark Materials, Succession)
- Director: Mark Mylod (Succession, Game of Thrones)
- Executive Producers: J.K. Rowling, David Heyman, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts
Filming is taking place at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden — the same location where the original movies were shot — reinforcing a visual and atmospheric continuity with the franchise’s cinematic roots.
A Reboot That Honors the Books
One of the main goals of the new adaptation is to stay truer to J.K. Rowling’s books, fulfilling the long-standing wish of fans to see stories and subplots that were cut or abbreviated in the original films finally brought to life.
Moments like the founding of S.P.E.W., the full prophecy arc, and extended time at the Dursleys’ are expected to feature in the series. This promises a richer, more immersive experience for longtime fans who have always dreamed of a more complete adaptation.
The decision to cast relatively unknown young actors has also been well received, allowing audiences to connect with the characters without constant comparisons to the original cast.
Fans React with Excitement and Cautious Optimism
The release of the first official image caused an immediate buzz among fan communities and on social media platforms worldwide. Many longtime fans expressed excitement over HBO’s direction, praising the nostalgic visual tone that echoes the magical atmosphere of the early 1990s depicted in the first books.
While some remain cautiously optimistic, waiting for more images or an official trailer, the overall sentiment is one of renewed anticipation and curiosity. The nostalgic aesthetic and promise of deeper faithfulness to the source material are already reigniting interest in the franchise.
2027: A Symbolic Year for the Wizarding World
The new Harry Potter series is set to debut in 2027 — a year rich with symbolic meaning:
- It marks the 30th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (1997)
- It celebrates 16 years since the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011), the final film of the original saga
This strategic timing highlights HBO’s intent to honor the legacy of the franchise while launching a new era for the Wizarding World. For both longtime fans and newcomers, it’s a chance to return to Hogwarts with fresh eyes.
Conclusion
The reveal of the first official image from HBO’s new Harry Potter series is more than just a promotional move — it’s a statement of intent. With a talented cast, an experienced creative team, and a long-term vision that respects the original material, the series aims to recapture the hearts and imaginations of fans around the globe.
Whether you’re a lifelong Potterhead or a curious first-timer, the gates of Hogwarts are about to open once again — this time, with the promise of telling the complete story.
