Dominic McLaughlin, who will play Harry Potter in HBO’s upcoming series, shared his excitement in a recent interview, calling the experience surreal as he has been a devoted fan since childhood.

Harry Potter Series Star Dominic McLaughlin Reveals How It Felt to Step Into a Costume as a Lifelong Fan

There are certain franchises that transcend film and literature, becoming a part of our cultural DNA. Harry Potter is one of them. For over two decades, it has shaped imaginations, inspired fan theories, and created an entire generation of readers and viewers who know every spell, every house, and every secret passageway at Hogwarts. So, when Dominic McLaughlin — one of the newest cast members in the upcoming Harry Potter series reboot — revealed how it felt to don his wizarding robes for the first time, the internet understandably went wild.

For many of us who grew up with the books and movies, hearing McLaughlin’s emotional account felt almost like living vicariously through him. After all, who among us hasn’t imagined what it would be like to receive our own Hogwarts letter?

From Fan to Wizard — A Childhood Dream Come True

McLaughlin, who has been vocal about being a lifelong fan of the Harry Potter universe, shared in a recent interview that putting on his character’s costume for the first time was “surreal.” He described it as a moment of pure childhood joy — the kind of experience that makes you forget you’re at work and instead feel like you’ve stepped right into the pages of J.K. Rowling’s world.

As he put it, “I grew up reading these books, imagining what it would be like to sit in the Great Hall or play a game of Quidditch. The first time I saw myself in the costume, wand in hand, I nearly teared up. It was like meeting a younger version of myself and saying, ‘We made it.’”

I don’t know about you, but that line hit me hard. I think many fans have that secret wish to live inside the story we love, and hearing someone actually experience it feels almost like a win for all of us.

The Magic of Costumes — More Than Just Fabric

Costumes in fantasy series aren’t just about fashion — they’re about transformation. McLaughlin spoke about how the outfit instantly made him feel connected to the wizarding world.

He explained that when he put on the robes, they weren’t just clothes; they were a key to unlocking the character. The weight of the fabric, the wand holster, even the slightly worn boots made him carry himself differently. Suddenly, he wasn’t Dominic the actor — he was his character, ready to attend Potions class or sneak down to the dungeons.

Personally, I find this fascinating. It reminds me of when fans cosplay their favourite characters at conventions. The moment you put on the cloak or hold the wand, you stand a little taller, act a little braver, and feel like a part of something bigger than yourself.

The Reboot’s Promise — A New Generation’s Hogwarts

The announcement of a Harry Potter reboot was met with mixed feelings. Some fans worried about whether it could live up to the magic of the original films, while others were excited to see a more faithful adaptation of the books.

McLaughlin’s excitement, however, is contagious. He spoke about how the creative team is committed to honouring the spirit of the original while diving deeper into storylines that didn’t get enough screen time in the movies.

This, to me, is one of the most exciting aspects of the reboot. Imagine getting to see more of Peeves the Poltergeist, a fuller exploration of the Marauders’ backstory, and all the small details that book readers know by heart. For lifelong fans like McLaughlin — and us — this is an opportunity to fall in love with Hogwarts all over again.

Fandom Energy — Why It Matters

One of the most refreshing things about McLaughlin’s interview is how much he respects the fandom. He acknowledged that stepping into such an iconic world comes with immense responsibility.

“You know that fans are going to notice everything,” he said. “The details of the costume, the way you hold the wand, the way you pronounce spells — it all matters. And honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way. This series shaped my childhood, so I want to get it right.”

As someone who has been part of the Harry Potter fandom for years, I love hearing this. There’s something powerful about an actor who doesn’t just see the job as work but as a chance to be a caretaker of something millions of people hold dear.

My Personal Reflection — Why This Resonates

I think the reason McLaughlin’s story struck a chord with so many of us is because it reflects our own journey with the series. The world of Harry Potter has always been about finding a sense of belonging. Whether you saw yourself in Harry’s courage, Hermione’s intellect, or Ron’s loyalty, these characters taught us that magic wasn’t just about spells — it was about friendship, bravery, and hope.

Seeing a fan-turned-actor step into this universe feels like proof that the magic is still alive. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the dreams we had as kids don’t just fade away — they grow with us, waiting for the right moment to become real.

Personally, I couldn’t help but think about my own childhood. I used to pretend my pencils were wands and shout “Expelliarmus!” at my friends during recess. Hearing McLaughlin talk about nearly crying when he put on the costume made me wonder how emotional I would be if I ever walked onto a set designed as Hogwarts. Probably a total mess — but in the best way.

Looking Ahead — The Magic Returns

With filming underway, anticipation is building. Fans are already speculating about casting choices, set designs, and which book moments will get expanded treatment. McLaughlin’s enthusiasm has set the tone — this reboot might not just be a retelling, but a love letter to the source material.

As someone who grew up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, I find myself surprisingly optimistic. If the cast is as passionate as McLaughlin, we might be in for something truly special — a series that rekindles our love for Hogwarts while inviting a new generation of fans to discover it for the first time.

Final Thoughts

Dominic McLaughlin’s revelation about stepping into costume reminds us why Harry Potter remains so powerful. It isn’t just a story; it’s a shared dream. For McLaughlin, wearing the robes was a moment of personal triumph — a bridge between his childhood fandom and his adult career.

For the rest of us, it’s a reminder that magic is still out there — in books, in movies, and in the moments when our dreams collide with reality. And perhaps, when we finally watch him on screen, we’ll feel a little of that magic too.

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