A new generation of wizards is set to answer the call of Hogwarts, and HBO has dropped an extended first look at a new yet familiar world. The trailer for its upcoming Harry Potter series reacquaints viewers with a young Harry (Domic McLaughlin), Ron Weasley (Alastair Stout), and Hermione Granger (Arabella Stanton) as they attend their first year at the wizarding school, alongside recreations of the events in the original film.
The first one, to be specific — the show’s official title is revealed to be Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, instead of the widely assumed Harry Potter. The clip opens with tidbits of Harry’s childhood: living in his room under the stairs at the Dursleys’ house, being bullied by his cousin Dudley, and getting a haircut from his Aunt Petunia, who says to him, “You’re not special”.
An acceptance letter to Hogwarts proves otherwise, and he learns more about his deceased parents after crossing paths with Hagrid (Nick Frost). Piling his luggage onto a trolley, Harry then runs through the gateway at Platform 9 3/4 to catch the Hogwarts Express, where he meets Ron and Hermione for the first time. A release date of 25 December, or Christmas, is shown at the end of the trailer, which is earlier than the previously announced 2027 window.
Joining McLaughlin, Stout, Stanton, and Frost in the cast are John Lithgow (Conclave) as Albus Dumbledore; Janet McTeer (Tumbleweeds) as Minerva McGonagall; Paapa Essiedu (Gangs of London) as Severus Snape; Johnny Flynn (Stardust) as Lucius Malfoy; Luke Thallon (The Favourite) as Quirinus Quirrell; Paul Whitehouse (Alice in Wonderland) as Argus Filch; Warwick Davis as Filius Flitwick, reprising his role from the original eight movies; and more.
Succession writer Francesca Gardiner serves as showrunner, with Game of Thrones veteran Mark Mylod directing multiple episodes. Original author J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films share executive producing duties.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is part of HBO’s larger plan to adapt each of Rowling’s seven novels into a season. Helmed by Chris Columbus, the 2001 film adaptation starred Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson as the main trio, and follows Harry’s first year at Hogwarts as he begins his formal wizarding education after discovering that he is a famous wizard.
The show premieres 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.
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