Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 14, 2025 · Entertainment

Scar Wars: Harry Potter's New Look Divides Fans

A first look at the upcoming Harry Potter series has been shared online, and it showed actor Dominic McLaughlin, who is set to play the titular character, decked out in his costume

HARRY POTTER FANS ARE LEFT SPELLBOUND BY SHOCKING TWIST: THE NEW TV SERIES' BIGGEST MISTAKE?

Get ready, Potterheads! The wait is finally over, and we have the first look at the highly anticipated HBO series based on J.K. Rowling's beloved book series. But, as we dive into the magical world of Hogwarts once again, a major controversy has emerged that has left fans divided: the placement (or lack thereof) of Harry Potter's iconic lightning bolt scar.

A NEW KIND OF MAGIC?

But some were quick to notice something about the new version of the beloved wizard that differed from the films: the placement of his scar

The first look at the show was shared on Monday, featuring actor Dominic McLaughlin, who plays the titular character, holding up a clapper board on set. And, oh boy, are we excited! The 11-year-old actor looks every bit the part of our beloved Boy Who Lived, rocking a black robe, maroon sweater, and round glasses. But, it's not just his dashing good looks that have fans talking – it's the scar.

SCARRED BY THE TRUTH

Instead of being prominently placed above Harry's eyebrow, the lightning bolt-shaped mark is now situated further to the side, looking more like a faint outline than the bold, iconic symbol we're used to. And, let's be real, some fans are FURIOUS about this change.

Instead of it being right above his eyebrow, the infamous lightning bolt-shaped mark was a lot more too the side

THE GREAT SCAR DEBATE

Twitter (now X) has been abuzz with reactions ranging from "I love the unkempt fluffy hair look with the scar on the side" to "Is it just me but I can't see the scar? Surely it's not on the side, it doesn't even look like one." Even die-hard fans are divided: some are praising the new take, while others are firmly planted in #TeamOriginal.

A BOLD NEW PATH

But why the change, you ask? Only J.K. Rowling knows for sure, but some speculate that this altered version is a deliberate attempt to shake things up and offer a fresh perspective on the beloved character. After all, as any Harry Potter fan knows, the Boy Who Lived has undergone many transformations throughout his journey – maybe it's time we saw him in a new light?

THE CAST: A WHO'S WHO OF MAGIC

Speaking of shaking things up, let's talk about the cast! Arabella Stanton will bring Hermione Granger to life, Alastair Stout will play Ron Weasley, and Janet McTeer will channel Professor McGonagall. Paapa Essiedu, who has been drawing flak for his casting as Severus Snape (sorry, Alan Rickman fans!), is set to bring the complexities of that character to the screen.

A FORTUNE TOLD

But what's really got tongues wagging is the rumored $100 million per episode budget and the potential fortunes awaiting our young lead actors. Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout are all in line for a massive payday – could they be raking it in like their original counterparts?

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT (AND MAGICAL)

People discussed the changes in droves, with some praising the new scar and others slamming it

In addition to Dominic, Arabella Stanton will play Hermoine Granger and Alastair Stout will portray Ron Weasley

Rory Wilmot is set to play Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander

Rising star Paapa Essiedu will take on the darker, more complicated role of Severus Snape – a part made famous by the late Alan Rickman