Dominic McLaughlin, who will portray Harry Potter in HBO’s upcoming series, revealed the impact Daniel Radcliffe’s letter had on him during a recent interview. The Daniel Radcliffe letter to Dominic was delivered while McLaughlin was returning home to Glasgow, and the young actor described the moment as “insane,” signifying the emotional weight this gesture held.
During his appearance on the BBC’s Saturday Mash-Up! Live, McLaughlin recounted how his father handed him the letter during the train journey. The experience was both overwhelming and surreal, as McLaughlin recalled not realizing who the sender was until the very end of the note. He shared,
“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.”
– Dominic McLaughlin
Daniel Radcliffe Extends His Support to the New Harry Potter
Daniel Radcliffe, who famously embodied the character in the blockbuster film series, sent his best wishes through the heartfelt note. Radcliffe said,
“I wrote Dominic a letter just wishing him the best time. I had a wonderful experience, and I hope he has an even better one.”
– Daniel Radcliffe
Radcliffe’s encouragement set the tone for the torch-passing between the original and the new actor set to bring the boy wizard to a new generation of viewers.
On Set and Cast Experiences for Dominic McLaughlin
Adjusting to his new role, McLaughlin also spoke about his positive experiences during filming. He mentioned establishing friendships and feeling welcomed on set, saying,
“It’s going amazing; it’s going really well. I’ve made good friends with everyone; it’s great to be there.”
– Dominic McLaughlin
The series boasts a fresh lineup, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley joining McLaughlin in the main trio. The adult cast introduces Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, John Lithgow playing Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, and Nick Frost portraying Hagrid.
An Extensive Ensemble and Creative Team
The supporting cast includes Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Johnny Flynn portraying Lucius Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, and Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley.
Guiding the production is Francesca Gardiner as creator, writer, and showrunner. She is joined by executive producer Mark Mylod, who also directs multiple episodes, and other prominent figures including JK Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts of Bronte Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films.
What the Exchange Means for the Series Ahead
The moment shared between Daniel Radcliffe and Dominic McLaughlin not only bridges two eras of the Harry Potter legacy but also lifts expectations for the new HBO adaptation. With a talented cast, experienced creative team, and heartfelt support from the original star, viewers and fans now eagerly await this new chapter that will reinterpret the beloved story for television audiences.
