Parents' Guide to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Parents need to know that Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the first of seven planned series that promise to be faithful adaptations of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books. Harry, Hermione, and Ron will be played by Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout; the trio were selected from the 30,000 young actors who auditioned for the roles. More familiar names in the cast include Paapa Essiedu as Snape, John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Hagrid. The violence and romance levels will likely be similar to that in the movie versions of Rowling's books.