The Golden Trio of HBO’sHarry Potterreboot is finally set. After a global search that saw more than 30,000 auditions,Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stouthave officially been announced as Harry, Hermione, and Ron. But it’s Stanton —the 11-year-old British actress stepping into Hermione Granger’s shoes— who has already managed to convince fans that she’s the perfect choice. ShowrunnerFrancesca Gardinerand directorMark Mylodsaid in a statement at the time, “The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen.”
Not only willStanton now bring Hermione Grangerto a new generation of fans on screen, but her voice work has already offered a glimpse of just how well she fits the part. In the upcomingHarry PotterAudible books,she was cast as Hermione, and a recently released interview with Stanton proves why she clearly caught the eye of the television show’s casting director, too. One particular highlight? Stanton’s pitch-perfect recreation of the famous “Wingardium Leviosa” classroom scene fromHarry Potter and theSorcerer’s Stone. With just the right mix of bookish precision and youthful attitude, she made longtime Potter fans feel like they were hearingHermione for the very first timeall over again.
Who Is Arabella Stanton?
Best known for starring as Matilda Wormwood inMatilda the Musicalon London’s West End, Stanton is no stranger to carrying a beloved character on her shoulders. In fact, her debut was so striking that she was invited to perform at Buckingham Palace for the BBC 500 Words Final. Reflecting on the experience, Stanton once wrote:
“I started auditioning forMatilda the Musicalthe week after my 9th birthday and feel so lucky and honoured to have spent the age of 9 being able to play Matilda Wormwood at the Cambridge Theatre, London for the Royal Shakespeare Company (and at Buckingham Palace for an extra special performance at the BBC 500 Words Final). Being able to play the part of Matilda as my West End debut has been incredible… dreams really can come true!”
If Stanton’s early Hermione work is any indication, they may have found lightning in a bottle.Much like Emma Watson at the same age, she brings intellect, authority, and heart in equal measure — and she’s only just getting started.
Harry Potterwill return as a decade-long TV series on HBO beginning with the first season, which is expected to premiere in 2027.
Harry Potter
