Dominic McLaughlin, the young actor chosen to play Harry Potter in HBO’s anticipated remake, recently shared his emotional reaction after receiving a personal letter from Daniel Radcliffe. The Daniel Radcliffe Harry Potter letter, delivered during a train ride back to Dominic’s home in Glasgow, marked the first significant gesture of support from the renowned actor to his successor.
Receiving Support from the Original Star
McLaughlin opened up about this unforgettable moment while appearing on CBBC’s Saturday Mash Up Live. Reflecting on the experience, he recalled being with his father when he received the note.
“My dad tapped me on the train and just gave me this letter. I read it and then I got to the bottom, and it said, ‘Dan R.’ I was going mad, but I had to [keep cool]. I was on the train,”
McLaughlin added.
Radcliffe’s Wishes for the New Generation
Daniel Radcliffe, who led the original film franchise, previously commented that he did not want to overshadow the new series or its young cast. However, he felt compelled to reach out to McLaughlin with encouragement.
“I don’t want to be a spectre in the life of these children but I just wanted to write to him to say, ‘I hope you have the best time, and an even better time than I did — I had a great time, but I hope you have an even better time’,”
Radcliffe told Good Morning America.
Seeing images of McLaughlin and his fellow cast members reminded Radcliffe of his own early experiences.
“I just want to hug them. They just seem so young.”
Filming Underway for New HBO Series
With production underway for the series set to premiere in 2027, McLaughlin expressed his excitement and positive outlook about the project.
“It’s going amazing, it’s going really well. I’ve made good friends with everyone, it’s great to be there.”
The first season will mirror the storyline of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, offering longtime fans and newcomers alike a fresh adaptation of the beloved saga. McLaughlin is joined by Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout taking on the role of Ron Weasley.
A Talented Cast Brings Familiar Characters to Life
The new HBO series features an ensemble cast taking on iconic roles. Nick Frost will portray Hagrid, while John Lithgow has been selected as Albus Dumbledore. Janet McTeer appears as Professor McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu will step into the part of Severus Snape. Rounding out the adult cast are Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch and Luke Fallon as Quirinus Quirrell.
What This Moment Means for the Franchise
Daniel Radcliffe’s supportive letter signals a symbolic passing of the torch, encouraging McLaughlin and the new cast as they embark on a journey with one of the world’s most beloved literary and cinematic sagas. With a cast featuring Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout, and a production committed to capturing the magic of J.K. Rowling’s universe, the new series is poised to inspire a new generation of fans.
