The Highs and Lows of Child Stardom: Insight from Isaac Hempstead Wright

For a child actor like Isaac Hempstead Wright, who was cast as Bran Stark in Game of Thrones at just 10 years old, the experience can be both exhilarating and grueling. As new young stars take on the iconic roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley in the upcoming HBO series, Hempstead Wright shares his own story of navigating the highs and lows of fame.

Key Takeaways:

• Over 30,000 children auditioned for the new Harry Potter TV series, but only three young leads were chosen: Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout, who will play Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively.
• Isaac Hempstead Wright, who played Bran Stark in Game of Thrones, says that he was initially overwhelmed by the enormity of the contract and the experience of being on set. However, he believes that it's essential to "take every opportunity it affords you" and to find other interests and hobbies outside of acting.
• Hempstead Wright's mother served as his chaperone for a while, traveling between home in Kent and Belfast with him. However, as he grew older, he began to want more independence and eventually stopped working with her as a chaperone.
• The new Potter cast has already gained some experience in the industry, with McLaughlin having roles in Sky's Grown and the BBC's Gifted, and Stanton having starred in Matilda the Musical in the West End.
• The budget for the new Potter series is expected to be "enormous," with forecasts varying as to how many tens of millions each episode will cost.
• Hempstead Wright's time on Game of Thrones was not without its challenges, including dealing with puberty and the pressures of fame. However, he believes that the experience ultimately had a positive impact on his life.