Class is back in session at Hogwarts, and fans of the original Harry Potter film series can expect a trip down memory lane — albeit with a fresh coat of paint. HBO Max has released a new trailer for its upcoming Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone remake, featuring several iconic scenes from the big-screen adaptation and J.K. Rowling’s first novel after Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger arrive at the academy.
In it, the trio are placed in Gryffindor together following the sorting ceremony and introduced to the various Hogwarts staff, including Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape, who, of course, mocks Harry in his class (“You’ve certainly not exhibited any in here”). The bespectacled teen then takes to the Quidditch pitch and, along with Ron and Hermione, becomes embroiled in the mystery of the Philosopher’s Stone (or the Sorcerer’s Stone in the American localisation) that involves a mountain troll, the Invisibility Cloak, and the Mirror of Erised.
The streamer also released the logline for the series, which reads: “There is nothing special about Harry Potter – or so his Aunt Petunia tells him. But when a mysterious letter of admission to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry arrives, it opens the door to a hidden world of magic, friendship and adventure. Yet behind Hogwarts’ enchanted walls lie dark secrets. Harry must find the courage to prove himself against the darkest wizard of all.”
Newcomer Dominic McLaughlin takes over the reins from Daniel Radcliffe as the titular wizard, while Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton play Ron and Hermione, respectively. Additional casting include John Lithgow (Conclave) as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer (Tumbleweeds) as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu (Gangs of London) as Severus Snape, Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) as Rubeus Hagrid, Johnny Flynn (Stardust) as Lucius Malfoy, Luke Thallon (The Favourite) as Quirinus Quirrell, Paul Whitehouse (Alice in Wonderland) as Argus Filch, and more.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, with Game of Thrones veteran Mark Mylod directing multiple episodes. Rowling, Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films share executive producing duties.
The eight-episode show is part of a larger plan to adapt each of Rowling’s seven novels into a season and will be followed by a second season based on The Chamber of Secrets. As previously reported, Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) is stepping into the role of Gilderoy Lockhart, and the recasting for Ginny Weasley is currently underway.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone debuts on HBO Max this Christmas, on 25 December.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
