Harry Potter fans received an early look at the upcoming television adaptation when HBO released a 90-second preview clip showing the iconic start-of-term feast.
The sequence opens with students chanting Albus Dumbledore’s name in the Great Hall, Radio Times reported, marking a notable departure from the original books. Dominic McLaughlin stars as Harry Potter, asking Alastair Stout’s Ron Weasley whether John Lithgow’s headmaster is “a bit mad.” Stout’s Ron replies, “Yep, totally off his rocker.”
Dumbledore then snaps his fingers to make the banquet food appear on the tables. Janet McTeer appears as Professor Minerva McGonagall, discussing Harry’s sorting into Gryffindor House with the headmaster.
“Admit it, you’re pleased that he’s in your house,” Dumbledore says, according to Deadline. McGonagall responds, “Well, he is the spit of James [Potter]. I can’t believe it. It’s uncanny.” Dumbledore replies, “Looks can be deceiving, Minerva. His nature is entirely his own.”
HBO Series Premieres December 2026 with New Cast Members
The first season of the Harry Potter series airs its first episode December 25, 2026 on HBO, and will be available for streaming on HBO Max. The premiere covers the events of the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
The cast features Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby star as Harry’s aunt and uncle, Petunia and Vernon Dursley.
Francesca Gardiner serves as showrunner and executive producer, writing the series alongside director Mark Mylod, who also executive produces multiple episodes. Additional casting for the first season includes Harry Gilby as Charlie Weasley, alongside Jasper Talbot and Hannah Chinn as James and Lily Potter, Radio Times noted.
Character Posters Spark Online Discussion About Design and Source Material
Promotional rollout for the series has already sparked intense online discussion. HBO Max Brasil released three character posters featuring McLaughlin, Stout, and Stanton standing in the Hogwarts library holding wands in front of their faces, iXBT.games reported.
The design divides each character’s face with shadows, leading some fans to speculate about artificial intelligence use or potential deviations from the original source material.
The first season consists of eight episodes. Production on a second season based on The Chamber of Secrets is already underway, with Kit Harington cast as Professor Gilderoy Lockhart.
Keep reading