Dominic McLaughlin reveals reaction to Daniel Radcliffe’s letter for new Harry Potter on HBOBy Jeronimo Santos
5 min read
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Dominic McLaughlin, the 11-year-old actor cast as Harry Potter in the new HBO series, has revealed details about his reaction to receiving a personal letter from Daniel Radcliffe. The encounter with the message occurred during a train journey back to Glasgow, on Reino Unido, in November 2025. Radcliffe, who played the character in the franchise’s eight films between 2001 and 2011, sent the note as a gesture of support for his successor.
McLaughlin shared the experience in an interview with the program Saturday Mash-Up! BBC’s Live airs Saturday 30 November 2025 at 10am local time. Ele highlighted the effort to maintain composure in public, despite the initial excitement. The series, produced by Warner Bros. Television in association with HBO, is currently filming at the Leavesden studios, in Hertfordshire, and should premiere in 2027.
The production adapts the books by J.K. Rowling, with one book per season to explore the events in greater depth. Radcliffe mentioned, in an appearance on Good Morning America on November 19, 2025, that the purpose of the letter was to wish him an even better journey than his. McLaughlin confirmed that he responded with a note of gratitude, reinforcing the positive tone of the transition.
Young actor’s initial reactions
My father touched me on the shoulder during the train and handed over the envelope without explanation. Upon reading the content and seeing the signature ‘Dan R’ at the end, the adrenaline rose immediately.
I started to freak out internally, but I had to hide it because there were passengers around. Foi a unique moment, which mixed anxiety and joy at once.
The letter arrived shortly after recording began, in July 2025, and served as extra motivation for the initial scenes.
Advances in production filming
Recording has continued at Leavesden studios since July 2025, focusing on scenes from Hogwarts and the surroundings of Londres. The technical team, led by director Mark Mylod for multiple episodes, prioritizes fidelity to the books, expanding elements omitted in the films.

The schedule calls for completion of the first season, based on “Harry Potter and Pedra Filosofal”, by mid-2026. The second season, adapting “A
J.K. Rowling, as executive producer, visited the set in November 2025 and praised the initial scripts in an official statement. Ela highlighted the collaboration with the writers to enrich the magical narrative.
Infrastructure includes detailed recreations of Salão Comunal’s Grifinória and classrooms, with visual effects supervision by Alexis Wajsbrot. The costume, designed by Holly Waddington, uses authentic materials for wands and cloaks.
Main cast and confirmed line-ups
The central trio was announced in May 2025, after auditions of more than 32 thousand children on Reino Unido and Irlanda. Dominic McLaughlin takes on Harry, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
- John Lithgow plays Albus Dumbledore, bringing “Conclave” experience to the wise director.
- Paapa Essiedu lives Severus Snape, known as “Gangs of London”.
- Janet McTeer plays Minerva McGonagall, with credits in “A Rainha Branca”.
- Nick Frost brings to life Rubeus Hagrid, famous for “Todo Mundo Quase Morto”.
Other roles include Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. The villain Draco Malfoy is played by Lox Pratt, while Johnny Flynn takes on Lucius Malfoy.
Katherine Parkinson was cast as Molly Weasley, and Warwick Davis returns as Professor Flitwick, the only confirmed actor from the original films. Novos names, such as Leo Earley for Seamus Finnigan and Alessia Leoni for Parvati Patil, complete the group of students.
Expectations for a faithful adaptation of the books
The structure of the series allows for a broader exploration of events, with eight episodes per season dedicated to each volume of the saga. Isso contrasts with films, which condensed plots to fit into two hours.
Producers David Heyman, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts emphasize the inclusion of subplots, such as the origins of secondary characters. The debut in 2027 aims to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the first book, released in 1997.
Fans await details about the role of Voldemort, not yet cast, but with speculation surrounding Cillian Murphy, who commented on the rumor in an interview with Omelete in October 2025. The absence of spin-off derivatives, confirmed by the HBO CEO in November 2025, focuses on the main narrative.
Highlights of the cinematic legacy
The eight Harry Potter films have grossed more than $7.7 billion globally, with “Relíquias of Morte: Parte 2” leading in 2011 with $1.34 billion. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint became icons, but the “Animals
The 2023 game Hogwarts Legacy has sold 22 million units by November 2025, allowing players to experience life in Hogwarts. Essa digital expansion keeps the universe alive among new generations.
The franchise has influenced pop culture, with conventions like CCXP 2025 highlighting panels about the HBO series. Ingressos for the event, held at São Paulo from December 5-8, 2025, sold out quickly.
Pending Roles and Casting Rumors
The position of Lord Voldemort remains vacant, with a search for actors capable of conveying subtle threat in the first books. Cillian Murphy, listed, expressed cautious interest in a recent interview.
Other rumors include Tom Felton, original Draco, in an advisory role, but without official confirmation. The production prioritizes diversity, with auditions open to different ethnicities since September 2024.
The casting of Cornelius Fudge and the Dursleys was announced in June 2025, strengthening the Muggle world. Esses additions ensure balance between magic and everyday life in the itineraries.
Support between generations of actors
Daniel Radcliffe emphasized not wanting to interfere in the youth of new talents, but the gesture in the letter strengthened ties. McLaughlin mentioned forming quick friendships on set, making daily interactions easier.
Emma Watson and Rupert Grint shared public messages of encouragement on social networks in May 2025, celebrating the renewal of the saga. Esses supports avoid direct comparisons and focus on the freshness of the adaptation.
The transition reflects the longevity of the Rowling story, which continues to attract global readers. Produced in Leavesden, the location of the original films, the series connects the past and future of the wizarding universe.







