Daniel Radcliffe has officially extended his support to Dominic McLaughlin, the young actor taking over the iconic role of Harry Potter in HBO’s upcoming reboot series. Radcliffe confirmed during an appearance on Good Morning America that he wrote a personal, heartfelt letter to McLaughlin after the new cast lineup was announced. The original franchise star revealed that he wanted to offer encouragement, reassurance, and a warm welcome as the next generation steps into the role. The gesture reflects Radcliffe’s long-standing connection to the character and his desire to see the reboot succeed. The new series is set to premiere in 2027.
Who: Daniel Radcliffe
What: Wrote a heartfelt letter to new Harry Potter actor Dominic McLaughlin
When: Letter sent in 2025 during HBO reboot casting announcements
Where: Revealed publicly on Good Morning America
Why: To encourage the new cast and pass the legacy with positivity
How: Radcliffe wrote a private note expressing his hopes that McLaughlin enjoys the experience even more than he did
Commitment and Context
Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed Harry Potter across eight films between 2001 and 2011, has formally passed the symbolic torch to Dominic McLaughlin. With HBO preparing its fully reimagined Harry Potter series, Radcliffe acknowledged the significance of the casting moment, adding that it felt “crazy” to witness someone else assume the role at such a young age.
Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout will join McLaughlin as Hermione and Ron, rounding out the new trio. The reboot aims to deliver a faithful, season-by-season adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s novels, with the first season expected to run approximately eight hours.
Quotes & Reactions
Radcliffe detailed his note during the interview, saying:
“I wrote to Dominic and sent him a letter, and he sent me a very sweet note back.”
He added that he deliberately did not want to overshadow the new generation:
“I don’t want to be a specter in the life of these children… I hope they have the best time, and an even better time than I did.”
His reaction to seeing the cast photos was notably emotional:
“I just look at them and say, ‘Oh, it’s crazy I was doing that at that age.’ But it’s incredibly sweet, and I hope they’re having a great time.”
Industry analysts have responded positively, noting that Radcliffe’s support provides early goodwill for the reboot, which faces inevitable comparisons to the original film series.
What It Means Going Forward
Radcliffe’s public endorsement carries weight for fans and for the HBO production team. His backing strengthens audience confidence in Dominic McLaughlin’s casting and helps position the reboot as a respectful continuation rather than an abrupt overhaul. Much like a veteran athlete giving assurance to their successor, Radcliffe’s message eases early skepticism and builds momentum for the project’s promotional run.
The reboot’s success will depend on balancing nostalgia with new storytelling. Radcliffe’s blessing may prove crucial in setting the right tone among long-time fans.
What’s Next for the Franchise
The series remains in early production, with filming expected to intensify through 2026. HBO plans a global rollout in 2027, with promotional materials likely to begin releasing in mid-2026. Cast and crew announcements are expected to continue over the next several months.
Fans can anticipate updates related to set designs, character reveals, and behind-the-scenes footage as the production timeline progresses.
Sources
ESPN
247Sports
On3
Good Morning America (Interview excerpts)
Warner Bros. Television
