Daniel Radcliffe revealed on Good Morning America (November 18, 2025) that he personally wrote an encouraging letter to Dominic McLaughlin, the young actor who will portray Harry Potter in HBO’s upcoming television reboot series. In a heartfelt gesture meant to support—not overshadow—the new generation of Hogwarts students, Radcliffe shared his hope that McLaughlin and the young cast would have “an even better time” than he did during his iconic tenure with the film franchise. The HBO series, set to premiere in early 2027 with a first season of eight episodes, features McLaughlin alongside Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger) and Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley), with acclaimed veterans including John Lithgow (Albus Dumbledore), Paapa Essiedu (Severus Snape), Janet McTeer (Minerva McGonagall), and Nick Frost (Rubeus Hagrid). Radcliffe’s gesture reflects both nostalgia for his formative years in the franchise and genuine excitement for the new adaptation based on J.K. Rowling’s beloved novels.
Daniel Radcliffe’s Heartfelt Letter to Dominic McLaughlin
Speaking on Good Morning America on November 18, 2025, Daniel Radcliffe revealed that he took the time to write a personal letter to Dominic McLaughlin after learning of his casting as the new Harry Potter. Radcliffe emphasized that this gesture was not meant to impose expectations or “loom” over the young actor’s experience, but rather to offer genuine encouragement from someone who had walked that path.
Key quotes from Radcliffe’s interview:
“I don’t want to be a specter in these children’s lives. 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 wonderful experience, and I hope he has an even better one.”
“Looking at these pictures of him and the other kids, I just want to hug them. They seem so young. It’s wild to think I was doing that at their age.”
Radcliffe noted that McLaughlin responded with “a very sweet note,” indicating the young actor appreciated the outreach. Radcliffe expressed hope that the new generation would enjoy their Hogwarts experience while remaining grounded about the profound responsibility of embodying such iconic characters.
Cast, Director, and Writer
Showrunner & Writer: Francesca Gardini (Succession, Bodyguard)
Executive Producer: Mark Mylod (Succession, Game of Thrones)
Executive Producer & Creative: J.K. Rowling
New Lead Cast:
– Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter
– Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger
– Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley
Returning/Veteran Cast:
– John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
– Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
– Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall
– Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
– Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell
– Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
– Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley
– Sirine Saba as Professor Sprout
– Bríd Brennan as Madam Pomfrey
– Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge
– Louise Brealey as Rolanda Hooch
– Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander
Extended Ensemble: Lox Pratt (Draco Malfoy), Arabella Stanton (Hermione), Rory Wilmot (Neville Longbottom), Amos Kitson (Dudley Dursley), Elijah Oshin (Dean Thomas), and many others
Production: Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden (UK)
Release Date: Early 2027 (HBO) | First Season: 8 Episodes
Casting Process: 32,000 actors auditioned for the roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron (May 2025 announcement)
Original Harry Potter Film Series: Legacy and Success
Harry Potter Film Franchise Overview (2001-2011):
– Total Worldwide Box Office: $7.726 billion (8-film franchise)
– Production Span: 10 years (2001-2011)
– Average Film Gross: ~$965 million per film
Individual Film Box Office Breakdown:
1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011): $1.342 billion
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010): $960 million
3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005): $896 million
4. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007): $942 million
5. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002): $879 million
6. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001): $1.024 billion
7. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009): $934 million
8. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004): $796 million
Cultural Impact: The Harry Potter film franchise became the highest-grossing film series at the time of its conclusion, creating cultural phenomenon status. Daniel Radcliffe’s portrayal of Harry Potter defined his entire career, making him a household name from age 11 and earning him global recognition. The films won numerous Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTA Awards, cementing their place in cinema history.
About the New HBO Series
HBO’s new Harry Potter television series represents a complete reimagining of the beloved novels rather than a direct sequel. Each season will adapt one of J.K. Rowling’s seven books, allowing for greater depth and character development than the condensed film adaptations. Principal photography began in July 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire, England, with a planned multi-year production schedule. The series prioritizes maintaining young actors’ education, with a temporary school facility established at the studios. With early 2027 set as the premiere date, the series aims to introduce Harry Potter to new generations while respecting the legacy of the original films that captivated worldwide audiences for over two decades.
