HBO has released the first teaser trailer for its upcoming Harry Potter TV series, and fans have been quick to compare it with the beloved film franchise that ran from 2001 to 2011. The eight-episode first season adapts JK Rowling's debut novel, Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone.
Mixed fan reactions
After the trailer appeared on YouTube, viewers shared a range of responses. Some struggled to adjust to new actors in familiar roles. One comment read: "My brain was placing original faces while watching this." Another wrote: "It's like seeing my own house with somebody else's furniture, I need time with this."
A third viewer remarked: "Kinda weird to see this when the films are still so engrained in our consciousness.." Another added: "Kids, this is the sign that we aren't kids anymore. We have become uncles and aunts."
However, others welcomed the changes. One fan said: "I like how they are showing the children's personalities and friendship more." Another joked: "This Dumbledore might speak calmly." A further comment read: "Apart from all the nostalgia, i think these new kids are really good as actors and i wish success for them. Those little munchkins deserve all our good wishes and love."
Cast and creative choices
The trailer introduces Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
Hans Zimmer is composing the score, but some fans are unconvinced. One wrote: "No music can replace Hedwig's theme. Purchase rights or do whatever you can but Harry Potter without the main musical theme feels so empty." The CGI troll also drew criticism, with one viewer saying: "Troll looks like Nemesis from Resident Evil."
What the trailer shows
The teaser opens with McGonagall telling students about the sorting hat ceremony. Hermione tries to make friends on the Hogwarts Express, Ron's brothers spill jam on his acceptance letter, and Harry whispers "Not Slytherin, Not Slytherin" before being sorted into Gryffindor.
Dumbledore welcomes students to a "new year at Hogwarts," and the trio discovers a chapter titled "The Philosopher's Stone." Hermione questions their lack of knowledge, asking: "Don't you two read?" The series also features Peeves the poltergeist, a character omitted from the films due to CGI limitations, which has excited some fans.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone will premiere this Christmas on HBO Max.
