Who Is Dominic McLaughlin? Meet the Young Star Cast as Harry Potter in HBO’s New Series

Who Is Dominic McLaughlin? This question is buzzing across the internet as HBO announced the young Scottish actor as the new Harry Potter in their highly anticipated television series. At just 11 years old, Dominic is stepping into the iconic role previously played by Daniel Radcliffe, marking a pivotal moment in his budding career.

With a massive casting call that saw over 30,000 children audition, Dominic’s talent shone through, earning him the chance to bring the “Boy Who Lived” to life for a new generation. Let’s dive into everything we know about this promising young star and his journey to Hogwarts.

What Is Dominic McLaughlin’s Background?

Dominic McLaughlin is a Scottish actor hailing from Lanarkshire, with family roots in Mossend, where his grandmother grew up as part of the Quinn family. His early connection to the Performance Academy Scotland (TPA) played a significant role in his development as a performer.

TPA, where Dominic trained for five years, celebrated his casting, stating, “We said from the start that Dominic was the perfect Harry, and we are thrilled for everyone else to see this soon too.” At 11 years old, Dominic aligns perfectly with the age of Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling’s first book, bringing authenticity to the role.

His selection came after an extensive open casting call for children aged 9 to 11 from the UK or Ireland, with HBO reviewing up to 1,000 audition tapes daily. Dominic’s natural talent and dedication clearly set him apart in this competitive process.

What Roles Has Dominic McLaughlin Played Before Harry Potter?

Though a relative newcomer, Dominic has already built an impressive resume. He stars as Oliver Gregory in the upcoming Sky comedy film Grow, alongside Nick Frost, who coincidentally plays Rubeus Hagrid in the HBO Harry Potter series.

This family-friendly film, set to release in 2025, follows a farmer in the “Capital of the Pumpkin” and marks one of Dominic’s first major screen roles.

Additionally, Dominic will appear as Martin in the BBC’s action-adventure series Gifted, an adaptation of Marilyn Kaye’s novel. Set in Edinburgh, the show features Scottish teens discovering superpowers, and it’s slated for release on BBC iPlayer by the end of 2025.

He also showcased his stage talents in a 2024 production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, performing alongside Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma. These roles highlight Dominic’s versatility and readiness to take on the global stage as Harry Potter.

How Did Dominic McLaughlin Land the Role of Harry Potter?

The journey to becoming Harry Potter was no small feat. HBO’s open casting call, announced in September 2024, attracted around 32,000 young hopefuls. Dominic auditioned in late 2024, meeting the requirement to be aged 9 to 11 by April 2025.

Casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann led the exhaustive search, with showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod praising Dominic’s “wonderful” talent.

On May 27, 2025, HBO officially announced Dominic as Harry, alongside Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The trio’s casting was celebrated with a promotional photo, capturing the magic of Hogwarts’ new golden trio. Dominic’s ability to embody Harry’s vulnerability and strength has already generated excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.

What Can We Expect from Dominic McLaughlin in the Harry Potter Series?

The HBO Harry Potter series, set to begin filming in summer 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, promises a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven books, with each season covering one novel.

This long-form format offers Dominic the opportunity to explore Harry’s growth in greater depth than the films, from his battles with Voldemort to his friendships with Ron and Hermione.

Dominic will be supported by a stellar cast, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. With J.K. Rowling as an executive producer, the series aims to honor the books’ legacy while introducing fresh perspectives.

Fans can expect Dominic to bring a new yet authentic take on Harry, with the first season potentially airing as early as 2026.

Why Is Dominic McLaughlin a Perfect Fit for Harry Potter?

Dominic’s early career demonstrates a natural charisma and emotional depth that align with Harry Potter’s complex character. His stage experience in Macbeth shows he can handle intense roles, while his screen work in Grow and Gifted highlights his ability to connect with audiences. TPA Scotland’s heartfelt endorsement underscores his work ethic and passion, noting, “We will forever be proud of you!”

At 11, Dominic mirrors Harry’s age at the start of his Hogwarts journey, ensuring an authentic portrayal.

His Scottish roots also add a unique flavor to the role, grounding the wizarding world in a fresh cultural context. Fans are already buzzing about his potential to honor Daniel Radcliffe’s legacy while carving his own path.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Who Is Dominic McLaughlin? He’s a talented 11-year-old Scottish actor poised to become a global star as Harry Potter in HBO’s upcoming series.

From his roots in Lanarkshire to his training at the Performance Academy Scotland, Dominic’s journey is just beginning, and his early roles in Grow, Gifted, and Macbeth prove he’s ready for the challenge.

As he prepares to don the iconic glasses and wield a wand, the wizarding world eagerly awaits his magical performance.

Let’s cheer on this young talent as he steps into Hogwarts and makes the role his own! Keep an eye on Dominic McLaughlin—he’s destined to shine.