US network HBO has released a first clip from its upcoming Harry Potter television series, offering a glimpse of a magical banquet at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The show, adapted from JK Rowling's first novel, Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, is set to premiere on December 25 on HBO. The 90-second clip, shared on social media two months after the release of the trailer, shows students chanting the name "Dumbledore" while hitting their hands on empty tables before the headmaster appears laughing.
First Look at Hogwarts Students
The series stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. In the clip, Harry asks whether Dumbledore, played by John Lithgow, is "a bit mad," to which Ron replies: "Yep, totally off his rocker."
Dumbledore then clicks his fingers, and plates of food magically appear on the tables before the excited students. Harry, who grew up in difficult circumstances after the death of his parents, James and Lily, when he was a baby, looks pleased as he eats a chicken drumstick.
Cast and Adaptation Details
The Hogwarts headmaster turns to Minerva McGonagall, played by Janet McTeer, asking if she is pleased that Harry is in the Gryffindor house she presides over. "The cat that got the cream? Admit it, you're pleased that he's in your house," Dumbledore says. McGonagall replies: "Well, he is the spit of James (Potter). I can't believe it. It's uncanny." Dumbledore adds: "Looks can be deceiving, Minerva. His nature is entirely his own."
Other major cast members include Paapa Essiedu as teacher Severus Snape, Nick Frost as gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid, and Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby as Harry's strict, non-magical aunt and uncle, Petunia and Vernon Dursley. The show aims to be a faithful adaptation of Rowling's novels while providing wider insight into the magical wizarding world beyond the film franchise from 2001 to 2011.
