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First trailer for Harry Potter TV series reveals much-anticipated new take

First real look at HBO’s big-budget small screen take on JK Rowling’s best-selling books also reveals that first season will premiere this Christmas

First trailer for Harry Potter TV series reveals much-anticipated new take

TL;DR

  • The first teaser trailer for the Harry Potter TV series has been released by HBO, with a premiere date set for Christmas 2026.
  • The first season will adapt 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone' and feature new actors Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout as Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
  • The trailer includes glimpses of iconic moments like Harry meeting Hagrid, the Sorting Hat ceremony, and his first Quidditch game.
  • Adult cast members include John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Snape.
  • The series is positioned as a major streaming event for HBO Max, promising more detail from the books than the film franchise.
  • New Harry Potter actor Dominic McLaughlin has received endorsement from original star Daniel Radcliffe.
  • Paapa Essiedu, playing Snape, has faced death threats due to backlash over his casting as a Black actor in the role previously played by a white actor.
  • JK Rowling, who advises the series as an executive producer, has faced criticism for her anti-transgender comments.
  • HBO defended the decision to include Rowling, stating her views are personal and political.