From Hogwarts to Gifted: Dominic McLaughlin's Rising Star
The young actor destined to become television's next Harry Potter is preparing British audiences for his magical journey with a major new role this month. Dominic McLaughlin, the 11-year-old Scot cast as the boy wizard in HBO's hotly-anticipated series, takes centre stage in Gifted, a thrilling new CBBC drama that draws clear inspiration from both Stranger Things and the Wizarding World.
What Makes Gifted Must-See Television?
Premiering on CBBC and iPlayer from November 24, this action-adventure series follows a group of Scottish teenagers blessed with extraordinary abilities ranging from mind-reading and invisibility to telekinesis. Much like their counterparts in Hawkins and Hogwarts, these gifted youths attend a special educational institution where they learn to hone and control their unique powers.
The drama unfolds as the teenagers must unite their abilities to protect themselves and their loved ones from a formidable organisation known as the Bodkin. Set and filmed entirely in Scotland, the show introduces viewers to several promising young Scottish actors, with McLaughlin leading the ensemble.
Notably, Dominic McLaughlin is precisely the same age Daniel Radcliffe was when initially cast for the original Harry Potter film series, creating a parallel that has captured fan imagination worldwide.
Behind the Scenes of Scotland's Newest Hit
Gifted represents a collaborative effort between Glasgow-based Black Camel Pictures and Parisian production company Media Valley. The series adapts Marilyn Kaye's popular novel series of the same name, bringing her vision of empowered youth to the screen.
Arabella Page Croft, Executive Producer at Black Camel Pictures, expressed enthusiasm about showcasing Scottish talent, stating: 'Scottish kids clearly have talent and they want to act!' She added, 'We are excited to produce this show for CBBC and bring these young talents and our beautiful capital city to a young audience globally.'
The international appeal of the series is already confirmed, with global distribution scheduled for early 2026. This timing provides audiences worldwide the opportunity to familiarise themselves with McLaughlin before his star-making turn as Harry Potter, expected to debut in 2027.
Ole Kampovski, Head of Children and Youth Department at NDR who commissioned the series, praised Gifted as 'a great story full of friendship, mystery and adventures. It is a program, I am sure, our audience will enjoy a lot.'
Harry Potter Connections Expand Beyond McLaughlin
Meanwhile, excitement continues building for the Harry Potter television adaptation with rumours suggesting legendary British actor Bill Nighy might join the cast. The 75-year-old Love Actually star has reportedly participated in screen tests for the role of a Hogwarts potions master.
An insider revealed: 'It has been very "hush-hush", but Bill was thrilled to take part in screen tests for the role last month. He wants it, the Potter production team want it, and now it's a waiting game until contracts are signed.'
Nighy previously appeared in the original film series as Minister for Magic Rufus Scrimgeour and recently voiced a character for the new Harry Potter audio series. The actor commented: 'I was pleased to be asked to play the professor after having already played a minister for magic. I'm always grateful when asked to play academics, having not been further educated myself.'
The Harry Potter television series, which began production in August, has confirmed its principal cast including Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, with additional roles filled by Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander.
As Gifted prepares to captivate CBBC audiences from November 24, it establishes Dominic McLaughlin as one of Britain's most exciting young talents while offering a tantalising preview of the magic he'll later bring to the Harry Potter universe.
