It’s time for Potter-heads to raise their butterbeers and cheers because HBO Max has released the first look at its highly anticipated adaptation of Harry Potter, while revealing the series will debut on Christmas Day.
The teaser for the season one trailer shows HBO’s reboot of J.K. Rowling’s first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, with a new generation of actors playing the beloved characters of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, and professors Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape.
Multiple shots throughout Hogwarts Castle carry an air of Chris Columbus’ early films from his adaptation of the magical story, with a warm, fuzzy and curious energy, compared to the clinical vibe of Harry’s real world (in which he sleeps in the cupboard under the stairs).
The first series will premiere at Christmas in 2026 (although HBO did not specify whether that meant Christmas Day itself), earlier than previous expectations that the series would not air until early 2027.
It features eight episodes, beginning with Harry’s miserable life at 4 Privet Drive. On his 11th birthday, he receives a letter of admittance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and a hidden world opens up for Harry.
The new Harry Potter will be played by Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore and Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall.
Paapa Essiedu will bring to life the fan-favourite character of the moody and temperamental Severus Snape. The British actor revealed in an interview with The Times of London earlier this week that he was the victim of racist death threats following his casting.
“I’ve been told: ‘Quit, or I’ll murder you,’” the 35-year-old star said. However, he said he was determined to continue.
“The themes that run through Harry Potter are of love triumphing over hate – of acceptance,” he said. “And that’s why I’m doing it.”
The season’s official title, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, could mean each of the seven books will receive its own series.
From life in the cupboard to the relentless taunting from his adopted family, Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley Dursley, the trailer shows Harry’s journey into Hogwarts, where he learns how to ride a broom, wave a wand, and plant baby mandrakes.
We get glimpses of the sorting hat and Harry arriving at Platform 9¾ at London’s King’s Cross Station to board the Hogwarts Express.
At the end of the teaser, Ron asks, “Are you really Harry Potter?” as the camera pans towards Hermione, and he makes an explosion noise.
Fans can also expect to see the recreation of a Quidditch tournament.
Francesca Gardiner is the series showrunner after previously acting as HBO’s Succession writer. Succession and Game of Thrones director Mark Mylod will also direct several episodes of the series.
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