The wait is almost over. HBO has released the first trailer for its long-awaited harry potter series, which reveals the Christmas Day premiere date for what will be one of the most watched television events in years.
The trailer begins with a familiar sight: young Harry living in his closet under the stairs in the Dursley house, bullied by his cousin Dudley and Aunt Petunia by telling him he’s not special.
Then the Hogwarts letter arrives.
From there, audiences get their first look at the new cast in action: Hagrid introduces Harry to the Wizarding World, the race through the gate at Platform 9¾, and the Hogwarts Express, where Harry meets Ron and Hermione for the first time.
“Are you really Harry Potter?” Ron asks.
A montage follows showing the trio exploring the castle, Harry unwrapping a Quidditch broom, and quick glimpses 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 in general is formidable: John Lithgow plays Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu plays Severus Snape, a casting that has already generated 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 has been 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 until 2027.
