HBO has released the first trailer for its upcoming Harry Potter television series, introducing Dominic McLaughlin as the new Harry. The footage arrives shortly after the first official image of McLaughlin in costume, wearing Gryffindor Quidditch robes.
The series is expected to premiere in December 2026 and will adapt each of J.K. Rowling’s seven books into its own season. The first installment, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, will consist of eight episodes.
Photograph by Aidan Monaghan/HBO
According to the official logline, Harry’s life changes when he receives a letter inviting him to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, opening the door to “a hidden world… of fun, friendship and magic,” while also confronting “a dangerous enemy from his past.”
If the first trailer is any indication, the series appears set to explore the books in greater detail, offering a more expansive look at the wizarding world and incorporating elements that were not fully included in the original film adaptations.
A New Generation at Hogwarts
McLaughlin will be joined by Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Production began in July, with the creative team aiming to expand on details from the original books.
Additional cast members include John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Katherine Parkinson, and Bel Powley. The role of Voldemort has not yet been announced. Rumors linking Cillian Murphy to the role have been denied by the actor.
Support From the Original Cast
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry in the original films, reached out to McLaughlin with a letter of support. Speaking on Good Morning America, Radcliffe said he wrote to wish the young actor well and hoped he would “have the best time” in the role.
McLaughlin later described receiving the letter as “insane,” explaining during an appearance on Saturday Mash-Up! Live that he read it on a train and tried to stay composed after realizing it was signed “Dan R.”
Backlash on Rowling
The new series also arrives amid continued discussion surrounding Rowling’s public comments on gender identity and transgender rights.
In 2020, Rowling shared a series of tweets and a longer essay that drew significant backlash. Many, including LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, said her comments were harmful to transgender people, as she questioned aspects of gender identity and raised concerns about trans women in women’s spaces. Her statements have been widely criticized by trans communities and allies globally.
The debate has extended to the new production. Lithgow told The New York Times that he does not share Rowling’s views and said the books themselves are “clearly on the side of the angels, against intolerance and bigotry.” He also acknowledged that he considered stepping away from the project before deciding to continue, noting that the topic will likely remain part of public conversation around the series.
Johnny Flynn, who plays Lucius Malfoy, also addressed the situation in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, describing it as “quite interesting to navigate” and adding that it is “important conversations to have.”
Rowling has also publicly responded to some former collaborators. In 2024, she criticized Emma Watson after Watson expressed support for transgender rights and a desire to separate her relationship with the author from their differing views.
A Long-Term Television Adaptation
HBO’s adaptation is planned as a long-running series, with reports suggesting it could span more than a decade. The creative team has indicated that the extended format will allow for a broader and more detailed interpretation of the source material compared to the original films.
As production continues, the series is positioned as both a return to a well-known story and a new interpretation shaped by a different cast, expanded storytelling, and ongoing cultural conversations surrounding its creator. See additional photos from the series below.
