'Sad About the Green Eyes': Fans React to New 'Harry Potter' Official Photo

They praise the costume, scar, and spot-on book resemblance too.
It’s official: Hogwarts is back in session. HBO has dropped the very first photo from the set of its new Harry Potter series on Instagram, revealing Dominic McLaughlin suited up in the classic Gryffindor uniform. Captioned simply, "First-years, step forward," the post sent fans into a frenzy.
In the image, McLaughlin stands in full wizarding attire — crisp white shirt, striped tie, and flowing black robe with the Gryffindor crest stitched proudly on the chest. The iconic round glasses sit perfectly on his nose, with that unmistakable lightning-bolt scar just peeking out from under his fringe. If the look feels like a direct line to the original book covers, you’re not alone.
Fans wasted no time sharing their thoughts. One gushed, "Good luck little Harry. Please protect him from all the haters," while another added. Probably this full despise just proved how fit he is in the Harry role,"Ok. Yup. He was the perfect choice."
Even those missing Daniel Radcliffe couldn’t help but admire the details: "Great uniforms, realistic scar, iconic glasses, let’s hope you keep the book accuracy up! (sad about the green eyes though)"
One comment went all in, declaring,
"Okay wait. This kid even looks like the cover art for the books more than Daniel. Good stuff.”"And, naturally, it wouldn’t be a Harry Potter reveal without someone sighing about Severus Snape: "This is fine, everything is fine except SNAPE!"
With filming underway in the UK and this first glimpse already stirring nostalgia and debate, it’s clear the magic — and the passionate fan discourse — is back in full swing.