The magical world of Harry Potter is coming back to screens with a fresh new cast, and leading the trio of young wizards is Alastair Stout, the actor chosen to portray the iconic role of Ron Weasley. HBO’s upcoming television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved novels has finally revealed its lead characters after a rigorous selection process that saw over 30,000 auditions from aspiring young performers.
Alastair Stout, now officially confirmed as the new face of Ron Weasley, emerged as a surprising but promising choice. Prior to this casting breakthrough, he had only a minor acting credit—a television advert for Albert Bartlett potatoes titled Roll on Jersey Royal Season—where he played a small role as the “son at dinner,” as noted by The Scotsman. Despite being relatively unknown, Stout’s potential clearly impressed the casting directors during the extensive talent hunt.
Ron Weasley, as described in Rowling’s novels and the original films, is known for his loyalty, humor, and distinct red hair. He is Harry Potter’s best friend and a crucial part of the trio alongside Hermione Granger. In the original film series, this role was played by Rupert Grint. With Stout now stepping into these large shoes, fans are eager to see how he brings a new energy and interpretation to the character.
Joining Alastair in the reboot are Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and Arabella Stanton, an 11-year-old actor, who will play Hermione Granger. These fresh faces are expected to carry the new adaptation with a spirit true to the essence of the books while making the roles their own for a new generation.
Francesca Gardiner, the showrunner and executive producer for the series, shared her excitement about the casting. “After an extraordinary search led by our brilliant casting directors Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann, we are thrilled to introduce our new Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The individual talents of these three young stars are remarkable, and we are excited for audiences to experience their magic on screen.”
She further expressed gratitude to the thousands of children who auditioned for the roles, stating, “It has been a joy to discover such a wide range of promising young talent. We are grateful to every single participant for their time and enthusiasm.”
The new Harry Potter television series is officially in development and will stream exclusively on Max (formerly known as HBO Max). The series also sees original author J.K. Rowling involved as an executive producer, ensuring that the adaptation stays rooted in the authentic wizarding world she created.
