HBO Disables Comments After Racist Attacks on New ‘Harry Potter’ Cast
It seems like there’s never a quiet moment when it comes to the Wizarding World. Ever since J.K. Rowling introduced readers to the halls of Hogwarts back in 1997, Harry Potter has become more than just a series—it’s become a cultural cornerstone. But with the arrival of a new television reboot, HBO Max is learning just how complicated it can be to reimagine something this beloved.
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Earlier this year, Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed what many had suspected for months: a brand-new adaptation of the original seven Harry Potter books is coming to HBO Max. The project, which is expected to unfold over a decade, has sparked massive anticipation, especially among fans eager to see the books get the long-form treatment. While some are thrilled to revisit the story from the beginning, others have expressed doubts—and when the new cast was officially announced, those doubts quickly gave way to something much darker.
On May 27, HBO Max posted a cast reveal on Instagram that was meant to introduce the series’ new stars:
Dear Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, and Mr. Weasley: We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Please welcome Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley to the HBO Original Series Harry Potter.
View this post on Instagram
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In the hours that followed, the comment section filled with both excitement and anger. While some praised the new casting choices, others responded with offensive and racist remarks, especially targeting Arabella Stanton, a young multi-racial British actress cast as Hermione Granger. The tone of the conversation quickly spiraled from healthy fandom debate to outright hate speech.
By the following day, HBO Max had disabled comments on the Instagram post entirely. Though the company has not released an official statement, the move is widely seen as an effort to protect the young actors from ongoing harassment and to take a stand against racist behavior within the fan community.
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Sadly, this isn’t the first time a Black actress portraying Hermione has stirred controversy. In 2016, Noma Dumezweni faced similar backlash when she stepped into the role for the stage production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. While many fans welcomed the diverse casting, others clung to the film version’s visual template, insisting that Hermione “should” look like Emma Watson.
This time, the situation unfolded in the highly reactive world of social media, where news spreads quickly and opinions are amplified to a fever pitch. But even amid the negativity, many have rallied behind Stanton, using hashtags like #HermioneIsForEveryone and sharing messages of support across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.
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Stanton is joined by Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley—three young actors now stepping into roles that have defined a generation. The rest of the cast includes a mix of newcomers and established talent:
- Dominic McLaughlin – Harry Potter
- Alastair Stout – Ron Weasley
- Arabella Stanton – Hermione Granger
- John Lithgow – Albus Dumbledore
- Janet McTeer – Minerva McGonagall
- Paapa Essiedu – Severus Snape
- Nick Frost – Rubeus Hagrid
- Paul Whitehouse – Argus Filch
- Luke Thallon – Quirinus Quirrell
Despite the criticism, many fans are excited to see these characters explored in new ways. Arabella Stanton brings a fresh perspective to Hermione, while Paapa Essiedu—a celebrated British actor—promises a nuanced take on the complicated Severus Snape. Still, the backlash toward their casting has highlighted the persistent issue of racism in some fandom spaces.
The production is set to begin filming at Leavesden Studios, the iconic U.K. location where the original film series was shot. According to studio insiders, the series aims to stay as close to the books as possible, offering a faithful adaptation that includes characters and plot points that were shortened or omitted in the previous movies.
HBO Max has confirmed the project will begin filming later this year, with a projected release date in 2026.
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As the discussion continues online, it’s worth asking: Why does the casting of a character ignite so much fury? Is it truly about book accuracy, or is there something deeper happening? The answer likely lies in how deeply personal these stories have become for fans. People want to see themselves reflected in the worlds they love, and for some, any shift from their internalized version of that world feels like a betrayal.
But storytelling, like the world itself, evolves. Diverse casting opens the door for more people to connect with the magic of Harry Potter. It gives future generations the chance to grow up seeing themselves in the heroes and heroines of their favorite tales.
So, where do you stand? Are you ready to return to Hogwarts with a new cast and a bold vision? Share your thoughts and keep following Disney Dining for more updates on the Harry Potter reboot, streaming news, and everything in between.
