The wait is almost over. HBO has released the first trailer for its highly anticipated Harry Potter series, revealing a Christmas Day premiere date for what is expected to be one of the most-watched television events in years.
The trailer opens with a familiar sight, young Harry living in his cupboard under the stairs of the Dursleys’ house, bullied by his cousin Dudley and told by Aunt Petunia that he is not special.
Then comes the letter from Hogwarts.
From there, audiences can get their first glimpse of the new cast in action: Hagrid introducing Harry to the wizarding world, the sprint across the footbridge of Platform 9¾, and the Hogwarts Express, where Harry meets Ron and Hermione for the first time.
“Are you really Harry Potter?” » asks Ron.
A montage follows, showing the trio exploring the castle, Harry unwrapping a Quidditch broom, and a quick glimpse of Dumbledore, Snape, Draco Malfoy, Mr. Ollivander, and the Sorting Hat.
Dominic McLaughlin leads the series as Harry Potter, joined by Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.
The ensemble at large is terrific: John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, a casting that has already sparked significant discussion, with Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Nick Frost as Hagrid, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.
The series was designed as a faithful retelling of JK Rowling’s seven novels, with each season adapting a single book.
Season 1 premieres on HBO on December 25, and the series is expected to continue through 2027.
