The internet is buzzing over Arabella Stanton's audition for Hermione Granger in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series, with many fans drawing comparisons between her portrayal and Emma Watson's iconic performance in the original film series. The casting for the highly anticipated series was revealed earlier this week, with Dominic McLaughlin set to play Harry Potter and Alastair Stout cast as Ron Weasley.
A clip of what appears to be Stanton's audition has gone viral, showcasing the 11-year-old's take on the bright and courageous young witch. While it remains unclear whether the footage is from her official audition for the Harry Potter series, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers praising her acting skills, confident screen presence, and striking resemblance to a young Emma Watson.
Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have been flooded with comments expressing astonishment at Stanton's performance. Some fans have even questioned whether she was lip-syncing to Watson's audio, highlighting the uncanny similarities between their interpretations of Hermione. Others have declared that Stanton has "nailed" the character, capturing the essence of Hermione's facial expressions, attitude, and tone.
Many viewers have noted that Stanton embodies the know-it-all precociousness that is characteristic of Hermione in J.K. Rowling's novels. Some have gone so far as to say that she is the Hermione they always imagined while reading the books. Others have described Stanton's performance as a blend of Emma Watson and Jenna Ortega, applauding her for capturing the essence of the beloved character.
Prior to being cast as Hermione, Stanton gained recognition for her lead role as Matilda in the West End production of Matilda the Musical from 2023 to 2024. Videos of her singing "When I Grow Up" from the musical have also surfaced, showcasing her vocal talents. This prior experience in musical theatre demonstrates that Stanton is no stranger to the stage and has the performance capabilities for the role.
The showrunners for the new Harry Potter series, Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod, praised the extensive casting process led by Lucy Bevan and Emily Brockmann. They stated that the talent of the three young leads is "wonderful to behold" and that they "cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen." J.K. Rowling has also expressed her satisfaction with the casting choices, calling the young actors "wonderful" and stating that she "couldn't be happier."
While some fans initially expressed skepticism about the need for another Harry Potter adaptation, Stanton's audition has quelled many doubts and generated excitement for the upcoming series. The series is scheduled to be released in 2026.
