Dominic McLaughlin
Dominic McLaughlin | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 2013–2014[1] Lanarkshire, Scotland |
| Alma mater | Performance Academy Scotland |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2023–present |
| Known for | Harry Potter (HBO series) |
Dominic McLaughlin (born c. 2013–2014) is a Scottish actor. He is known for being cast as Harry Potter in the upcoming HBO television adaptation. He currently plays the role of Martin in the CBBC series Gifted (2025–present).[2][3] Before landing the role, McLaughlin trained at the Performance Academy Scotland and appeared in theatre, most notably in a production of Macbeth, and was cast in other screen projects including the film Grow (2025), his debut film appearance.[4]
Early life and education
McLaughlin was born in Scotland around 2013 or 2014. [1] He studied at the acting and musical theatre school Performance Academy Scotland, which confirmed he spent several years training there before his casting as Harry Potter. [4] McLaughlin is from the Lanarkshire area,[5] with some sources claiming he is from Cambuslang.[6]
Career
Theatre
McLaughlin gained early stage experience performing in a production of Macbeth at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, acting opposite actors such as Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma. [4]
Breakthrough (2025–)
In May 2025, McLaughlin was officially announced as the lead actor in the HBO serialized adaptation of the Harry Potter books. [4][7] The casting followed an open call in which about 32,000 children from the UK and Ireland auditioned for the lead roles. [4] He will star alongside Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. [4][8] Production began summer 2025, and in July 2025 HBO released the first official images of McLaughlin in costume as Harry Potter. [9]
McLaughlin was cast as Oliver Gregory in the 2025 film Grow alongside Nick Frost, Joe Wilkinson and Sharon Rooney.[10] The film marked McLaughlin's debut film role,[11] and was released to cinema in October 2025.[12] He is also cast in the forthcoming BBC action-adventure series Gifted, scheduled for release in 2025. [4] The official trailer for Gifted was released in November 2025, depicting "the high-stakes adventures awaiting the young heroes as they navigate friendship, secrets, and a mysterious threat lurking beneath Edinburgh’s historic streets". The series is produced by the Glasgow based company Black Camel Pictures, as well as the Paris based Media Valley. It is commissioned by CBBC, in association with NDR and ARD (via One Gate Media in Germany), with additional support from Creative Scotland.[13]
Public image and reception
McLaughlin’s casting at Harry Potter attracted widespread media attention, including coverage by major outlets like Time. [8] Following the announcement, former Harry Potter film star Daniel Radcliffe wrote McLaughlin a supportive letter, wishing the young actor well in his new role. [14] McLaughlin later revealed his astonishment and gratitude on a radio interview, describing the moment he received the letter as “insane”. [15] The Glasgow Times said in May 2025 that "his journey from local talent to international spotlight is inspiring fellow young performers across Scotland".[16]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Grow | Oliver Gregory | Feature film debut |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–present | Gifted | Martin | BBC series[17] |
| TBA | Harry Potter | Harry Potter | HBO series lead role |
See also
References
- ^ a b "Who are Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout?". The Scotsman. 28 May 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "Gifted". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ Scotland, Screen (3 December 2024). "BBC Children's and Education commissions an ambitious TV drama series adaptation of Gifted novels by Marilyn Kaye". Screen Scotland. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Scottish actor cast as Harry Potter in new HBO series". STV News. 28 May 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "Lanarkshire actor prepares to lead "delightful adaptation" of Harry Potter books". GlasgowWorld. 3 December 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "Dominic McLaughlin: 5 Things About the New HBO 'Harry Potter' Star". Hollywood Life. 14 July 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "Every Actor Announced So Far for 'Harry Potter' TV Show". TIME. 28 May 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ a b "Harry Potter new cast: Meet Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout". NDTV. 28 May 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "First look at Harry Potter star in costume". STV News. 14 July 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ Moss, Molly. "Who is Dominic McLaughlin? Meet the star playing Harry Potter in TV series | Radio Times". www.radiotimes.com. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "Watch Grow on Sky Cinema | Sky.com". www.sky.com. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ Scotland, Screen (8 July 2025). "Grow". Screen Scotland. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "Trailer released for CBBC's new action-adventure series Gifted". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "Daniel Radcliffe writes letter to young Scots actor playing Harry Potter in new series". STV News. 19 November 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "Harry Potter HBO series star Dominic McLaughlin on letter from Daniel Radcliffe". Cosy 103.7. 2 December 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ "Meet the young Scot set to star in HBO's new Harry Potter series". Glasgow Times. 28 May 2025. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ^ Scotland, Screen (3 December 2024). "Gifted". Screen Scotland. Retrieved 7 December 2025.