Harry Potter: Remake’s new Hermione Granger star proved she’s perfect for the role two years ago

The casting of Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter TV series reboot has generated a great deal of enthusiasm—and rightfully so. Before her announcement alongside fellow cast members Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, Stanton had already ticked off the boxes of all her traits that make a character like Hermione Granger iconic. How? By portraying Matilda Wormwood in London's West End, a role that has surprising overlaps with Hermione.

Confirmed on May 27, 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery announced that Stanton, as the Granger, will be reprising her role in Matilda the Musical. Though her rise to stardom might not be particularly well known at this point, it is certainly likely with such a compelling resume supporting her casting. In her showcasing stint, Stanton did display quite a strong moment while portraying Matilda, a smart, courageous, principled girl who ‘also’ has the gift of magic.

While it may have seemed like a workathon, Stanton’s time on stage was nothing short of remarkable. She became the first actor ever to lead the West End run of Matilda the Musical from 2023 to 2024 and performed at Buckingham Palace for the BBC's 500 Words Final. Such grace, talent, and brilliance are bound to be expected from the young Hermione.

From Matilda to Harry Potter: The perfect fit

Both Matilda and Hermione are gifted girls who shatter expectations. While Matilda triumphs over an abusive home and uncovers her strength at school, Hermione fights for the good in the Wizarding World using her intellect and magical talents. Stanton has already demonstrated she is capable of handling this type of role, portraying sophisticated, emotionally rich characters and growing into them.

Besides being a character fit, the shift from Matilda the Musical to Harry Potter best illustrates Stanton's career progression. Just as Matilda and Hermione step into worlds that seek to challenge and change them, Stanton now steps into the international limelight, ready to shoulder the burden of the legacy, which includes Emma Watson’s iconic portrayal.

A role meant for her

Taking on a character like Hermione Granger does not come easily. Granger has had a profound impact on millions of people, and Watson’s performance in the Harry Potter series shaped an entire era. But Stanton is not starting from ground zero – she has already demonstrated that she can play a famous fictional character on stage.

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With her bearing, anger control, and deep understanding of the primary characteristics of Hermione, Arabella Stanton is poised to dazzle at Hogwarts.

Slemmons may not have been a household name until now, but if her past is any indicator, fans won’t forget her after the show debuts.

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