As HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter reboot series prepares to begin production this summer, the wizarding world is abuzz with questions about the new adaptation. With a premiere slated for 2027 and a promise to deliver a faithful, season-by-season retelling of J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga, the series has already made headlines with its casting of three newcomers—Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley—announced just yesterday. But one question looms large for fans of the original films: will any of the beloved previous cast members, such as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, or Rupert Grint, return for a cameo to bridge the gap between the old and new generations of Hogwarts heroes? While the answer remains uncertain, statements from the original cast, HBO’s creative direction, and the structure of the reboot offer clues about the likelihood of such nostalgic appearances.
The Harry Potter reboot series, greenlit by Warner Bros. Discovery in April 2023, aims to provide a more in-depth adaptation of Rowling’s books than the original eight-film series, which ran from 2001 to 2011 and grossed over $7.7 billion worldwide. Each book—The Sorcerer’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, and Deathly Hallows—will be adapted into a single season over a decade-long run, allowing for greater fidelity to the source material. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and executive producer Mark Mylod, both known for their work on HBO’s Succession, have emphasized their commitment to a “faithful adaptation,” a promise echoed by HBO’s statement that the series will be “full of the fantastic detail, much-loved characters, and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years.” Production is set to begin at Leavesden Studios in the UK, the same location where the original films were shot, adding a layer of nostalgia to the project.
The casting of the new Golden Trio has been a focal point of excitement. Dominic McLaughlin, a newcomer with a small role in the upcoming Sky movie Grow, steps into the role of Harry Potter, previously played by Daniel Radcliffe. Arabella Stanton, who portrayed Matilda Wormwood in Matilda the Musical on London’s West End, takes on Hermione Granger, a role made iconic by Emma Watson. Alastair Stout, with minimal acting experience, will play Ron Weasley, originally brought to life by Rupert Grint. The trio was selected after an extensive casting search that saw over 32,000 children audition, with Gardiner and Mylod praising their “unique talent” and expressing eagerness to see their magic onscreen. Alongside the young leads, HBO has confirmed several adult actors as series regulars: John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, with Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch in recurring roles.
But for fans of the original films, the question of whether the actors who defined a generation—Radcliffe, Watson, Grint, and others like Tom Felton, Helena Bonham Carter, and Ralph Fiennes—might return in some capacity has been a persistent one. The original cast became global stars through the films, growing up onscreen as their characters faced the trials of Hogwarts and the looming threat of Voldemort. Their performances remain deeply ingrained in the public imagination, making the idea of a cameo both tantalizing and potentially distracting for a reboot aiming to carve its own path.
Daniel Radcliffe, who was just 11 when he was cast as Harry Potter, has been the most vocal about his stance on returning. In an interview with ComicBook.com, Radcliffe expressed a pragmatic view, stating, “My understanding is that they’re trying to very much start fresh, and I’m sure whoever is making them will want to make their own mark on it and probably not want to have to figure out how to get old Harry to cameo in this somewhere.” He added, “I’m definitely not seeking it out in any way. But I do wish them, obviously, all the luck in the world, and I’m very excited to have that torch passed.” Radcliffe’s comments suggest a desire to let the new cast shine without the shadow of his iconic portrayal, a sentiment that aligns with HBO’s apparent focus on fresh talent. At 35 years old, Radcliffe is too old to reprise his role as a young Harry, but fans have speculated about potential roles for him as an adult character, such as Harry’s father, James Potter, given the physical resemblance described in the books.
Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who played Hermione and Ron, have been less definitive but have not indicated any plans to return. Watson, who has largely stepped back from acting since the Harry Potter films, focusing instead on activism and selective roles like Beauty and the Beast and Little Women, has not commented on the reboot. Grint, who has continued acting in projects like Servant and Knock at the Cabin, has also remained silent on the possibility of a cameo. Other original cast members, such as Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy) and Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), have been more playful about the idea. Isaacs jokingly told Deadline, “I’m hoping to come back as Hermione,” a humorous nod to the possibility of returning in a new role, though no serious commitments have been confirmed.
HBO’s approach to the reboot suggests a deliberate effort to avoid relying on nostalgia, which could overshadow the new cast and story. Sarah Aubrey, HBO’s head of IP, told The Hollywood Reporter that the team is not looking to “repeat people that were in the movies,” emphasizing the need to immerse viewers in new performances over the eight-hour seasons. She noted, “It’s always a little nerve-wracking because people so associate those roles with certain actors, but I also think because it’s going to be eight hours of TV, we’re going to immerse them in a different actor’s performance.” This stance indicates a focus on building a distinct identity for the series, rather than leaning on the original cast to draw viewers. However, Aubrey’s comments leave room for interpretation—while major roles for the original actors seem unlikely, smaller cameos or creative appearances aren’t entirely ruled out.
The structure of the reboot offers potential opportunities for cameos without disrupting the narrative. The series will span a decade, covering the characters’ growth from age 11 to 17, but it could incorporate flashforwards or multiverse elements—popular tropes in modern storytelling—to include older versions of the characters. For instance, a flashforward to an adult Harry, Ron, or Hermione could feature Radcliffe, Grint, or Watson in a brief, nostalgic appearance, perhaps in a scene mirroring the epilogue of Deathly Hallows, where the trio sees their children off to Hogwarts. Alternatively, the series could explore magical elements like time travel or alternate realities, as seen in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, to bring back familiar faces in unexpected ways. Such appearances could serve as a PR boost for the series, satisfying fans’ desire for continuity while allowing the new cast to take center stage.
Fan speculation has been rampant, with some suggesting that original actors could return as different characters. For example, Tom Felton, now 37, has been a popular fan choice to play Lucius Malfoy, Draco’s father, given his age and connection to the franchise. Posts on X have reflected this enthusiasm, with users noting Felton’s genuine love for the series and suggesting roles for other original cast members, like Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) as Professor Trelawney. However, these ideas remain speculative, and HBO’s focus on new talent suggests that such casting might be more distracting than beneficial, as Aubrey indicated.
The reboot also navigates a broader cultural context that could influence the decision to include original cast members. J.K. Rowling’s involvement as an executive producer has been divisive due to her controversial statements on transgender issues, which have drawn criticism from Radcliffe, Watson, and other original stars. Radcliffe has publicly supported the trans community, stating in 2020 through The Trevor Project, “Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people.” Watson and Grint have echoed similar sentiments, creating a potential tension between the original cast and Rowling’s role in the reboot. This rift might discourage some actors from returning, even for a cameo, as their participation could be seen as an endorsement of Rowling’s views—a concern raised by some fans in online discussions.
On the other hand, the original cast’s deep connection to the Harry Potter universe could make a cameo appealing. The 2021 HBO Max special Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts reunited Radcliffe, Watson, Grint, and other stars like Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, and Gary Oldman, showcasing their enduring bond with the franchise. The special, which aired four years ago, was a nostalgic celebration that highlighted the cast’s willingness to revisit their wizarding roots. A brief cameo in the reboot could serve a similar purpose, offering a nod to longtime fans while passing the torch to the new generation.
Ultimately, the likelihood of previous cast members returning as cameos remains slim but not impossible. HBO’s emphasis on a fresh start, coupled with Radcliffe’s clear stance and the lack of confirmation from other original actors, suggests that the reboot will prioritize its new cast and story over nostalgic appearances. However, the series’ long runtime and creative possibilities—flashforwards, magical plot devices, or even a multiverse twist—leave the door slightly ajar for a surprise cameo down the line. For now, fans can look forward to seeing Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout bring Harry, Hermione, and Ron to life, as the wizarding world prepares to return to Hogwarts in a new, enchanting light.
