Here’s Your First Teaser For HBO’s Harry Potter Show

8 Comments | Dominic McLaughlin, Harry Potter, hbo, hbo max | By Peter Paltridge | March 25, 2026 | 2 minutes of reading

They’ve been talking about redoing the Harry Potter saga as a TV show since 2021 — five years of pre-production — but even still, nothing prepares you for the day you see a Harry that isn’t a 10-year-old Daniel Radcliffe. It means you’re getting older! (So’s Dan, if you’ve seen him on NBC’s Reggie Dinkins lately.)

Dominic McLaughlin now plays the title character, with Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout playing his friends Hermoine and Ron. But as this teaser begins, he doesn’t know them yet, or his Super Special Destiny, or why he has a lightning bolt scar on his forehead. The show has more hours available to tell its story, so we get more time covering Potter’s miserable childhood with the Dursleys, living under a staircase.

But it isn’t long until he meets a giant, runs into a secret opening at the train station and sets on his path for Hogwarts. The second half of the trailer covers the good stuff: the Sorting Hat, the Nimbus, Quidditch, and the Three Most Iconic Teachers, Albus Dumbledore (John Lithgow), Minerva McGonagall (Janet McTeer), and Severus Snape (Paapa Essiedu).

This barely skims the surface of the size of this show’s cast, rivaling Netflix’s One Piece for immensity. The first season alone includes (deep breath)…..Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Elijah Oshin as Dean Thomas, Tristan Harland as Fred Weasley, Gabriel Harland as George Weasley, Ruari Spooner as Percy Weasley, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, Finn Stephens as Vincent Crabbe, William Nash as Gregory Goyle, Warwick Davis as Filius Flitwick, Sirine Saba as Pomona Sprout….

(another deep breath)

Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Gracie Cochrane as Ginny Weasley, Richard Durden as Cuthbert Binns, Louise Brealey as Rolanda Hooch, Bríd Brennan as Poppy Pomfrey, Leigh Gill as Griphook, Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander, and finally, JK Rowling as Lord Voldemort, since she’s become the guy in real life.

Back when the teaser for the first Harry Potter film was released, the WB logo stated “An AOL TimeWarner Company” beneath it. Who the heck knows what it’ll say when this show premieres. Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone (yes, we’re using the original British title) is the first of seven planned seasons, each adapting one book over the next decade. Then maybe they’ll do Cursed Child if they get desperate. The show premieres December 25.

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Time for Time Force!

37 messages 0 likes

Finally seeing the teaser is wild! I can't believe it's been in the works for so long. I mean, the movies have such a huge legacy, but there's so much more to explore in the books that didn't make it to the screen. A series could really dive into character backstories and all those little details that fans love.

I'm curious about how they’ll handle the tone. Do you think they’ll keep it light and whimsical, or go for a darker vibe like some of the later films? Also, who would you want to see cast in key roles? I'm already imagining some fresh faces!

I hate WOKE trash

395 messages 4 likes

Honestly, I’m excited mostly because the show can explore details the movies couldn’t. I’ve always wanted to see more of the Hogwarts world, the smaller moments, and the daily life of students. The casting looks solid overall, especially the teachers. Having Janet McTeer as McGonagall sounds really promising. I know some people will complain about new actors, but that’s normal. I’m more interested in seeing how they handle the pacing and character development. If done right, this could be the definitive Harry Potter experience for fans who grew up with the books but felt the movies skipped too much. I’m ready for a slower, deeper version, even if it takes seven seasons. This could be something special if they commit to it.

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And all that I can see is just another Lemon tree

327 messages 3 likes

I can’t get over how many characters there are. The cast list is massive, and it feels like a lot to manage. But at the same time, I like that they are including so many side characters. It makes the world feel alive. Dominic McLaughlin looks like he could be a good Harry, and I’m excited to see the Weasley twins and Draco handled properly. I’m a little concerned about pacing with so many characters, but the long format could solve that. Also, seeing Hogwarts in a TV show format for the first time feels special. I’m ready to invest in the seasons and see how they handle the story in detail. If done right, this could be the definitive Harry Potter adaptation.

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New Member

8 messages 0 likes

I can’t believe it’s coming out this Christmas. I grew up with the Harry Potter movies, so seeing it as a series feels like stepping into something completely new. I like that HBO is behind it because their shows usually have really good production value. At the same time, I feel a little conflicted knowing Rowling is still involved. I respect the story, but her views have made it hard for me to enjoy anything she touches fully. I think I’ll still watch it, but maybe I’ll just focus on the characters and the world, not the creator.

Master of Furry Fashion

538 messages 14 likes

I feel like HBO is taking a risk with this one. Harry Potter has a huge fanbase, but Rowling’s involvement might turn some people off. Personally, I want to watch it to see how they handle the story as a series. Movies always have to skip a lot of details, and a show could give us more of Hogwarts and the magic. I don’t care much about the controversy, though I understand why some would. The trailer looks good, and seeing people from Succession and Game of Thrones working on it makes me confident that the visuals and acting will be strong. I like that it’s premiering this Christmas; it feels like a holiday treat. I’m hoping they also capture the tone of the original story, not just the action scenes. I’ll probably binge it over the holidays and enjoy it for what it is.

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Hopchester

101 messages 10 likes

I’m skeptical about this because it’s a big franchise and HBO has high expectations. I like the idea of a series because it allows for more character development, but Harry Potter fans can be picky, and Rowling’s involvement will complicate things. I grew up with the movies, so my standard is high. I also wonder if the story will feel modern or stick strictly to the 1990s school setting. Seeing people from Killing Eve involved makes me think they might push some darker or more mature tones, which could be interesting. The Christmas release is smart because it’s a holiday everyone is home for, but it also sets pressure for them to meet fan expectations. I’ll probably watch it carefully, judging both how faithful it is and how engaging the pacing of the episodes feels. I want nostalgia but with depth.

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The Happy Feet Doctor

28 messages 0 likes

I can’t wait to see Hogwarts in series form. Movies were great, but there’s only so much they can fit into two hours. A show means more time with the characters, exploring side stories, and maybe even showing parts of Hogwarts never seen before. I do know Rowling is still a part of it, which is awkward, but I think separating the world from the creator is possible. HBO’s track record makes me confident it will look and feel cinematic. I’m curious about casting choices too. Hopefully they capture the essence of the students and teachers correctly. December 25 is a perfect date because it’s a break for many people. I’m planning to binge it and maybe discuss every episode online. It feels like a big event for Potter fans again, and I’m excited for that shared experience.

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Membery

157 messages 2 likes

I’m excited but also a little nervous. HBO Max has high standards, so the series will probably look fantastic. The early release date makes me happy because I hate waiting. At the same time, Rowling’s involvement makes me uncomfortable. I grew up loving Harry Potter, so part of me wants to celebrate the story, but another part can’t ignore the controversy. I think I’ll watch it anyway, focusing on the magic and the characters, while not giving attention to Rowling personally. I’m hoping the story feels faithful and immersive, like I’m actually at Hogwarts. I also wonder if the series will explore themes more deeply than the movies. It feels like this could be both nostalgic and fresh at the same time, which is exciting.

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