A child’s smile should not be a target for online criticism. Recently, fans of Harry Potter have scrutinized the appearance of 12-year-old Dominic McLaughlin, who has taken over the role of Harry Potter from Daniel Radcliffe in an upcoming TV reboot. Observers have pointed out that Dominic seems different, with one comment suggesting that the joy of childhood has been stripped away.
Fans compared two photos of Dominic taken almost a year apart, noting a visible change in his smile. One photo was from a special screening of Grow in London on October 5, 2025, while the other was captured in September during the 2026 Abbey Road Music Photography Awards in London. Some fans remarked that he looked more mature, while others noticed he seemed to be smiling with his mouth closed in the more recent image. Comments on social media conveyed concern about how scrutiny over his teeth may have influenced his expressions.
Many pointed out that the comments about his teeth led him to adopt a closed-mouth smile at such a young age. One comment expressed outrage about the impact of online remarks on a child’s confidence, asking how anyone could make him feel that his smile was something to be ashamed of. Others discussed the pressures of growing up in the spotlight, labeling it a “curse” of Hollywood.
Despite the negative attention, the show hasn’t premiered yet, leading some fans to share their discontent with the idea of a Harry Potter reboot. They noted that criticism over Dominic’s appearance had begun months before, emphasizing how people were fixated on what they viewed as his overly perfect smile. Some expressed confusion about the appearance of his teeth, questioning whether they were real or exaggerated.
Dominic has described his role as Harry Potter as a “dream role.” He shared his excitement about being cast in the HBO series adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s books, where he will act alongside Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. In an interview with the BBC, he mentioned being a big Harry Potter fan as a child and feeling thrilled about his casting.
Daniel Radcliffe, the original Harry Potter actor, has encouraged fans to stop drawing comparisons between the new cast and the original. He understands the pressures that young actors like Dominic may face, having been cast at a similar age. Radcliffe expressed confidence in Dominic’s abilities, suggesting that he believes the new actor will excel in the role.
What do you think about the scrutiny faced by child actors in the spotlight?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Gabija Saveiskyte