'Harry Potter': HBO drops first trailer for highly anticipated series

HBO has given fans the first glimpse of the Harry Potter series with Dominic McLaughlin as the new Harry.

The footage arrives after the first official image of McLaughlin in Gryffindor Quidditch robes.

The first teaser for the much-anticipated series from J.K. Rowling’s books was released by Warner Bros. Discovery at the HBO Max UK launch in The Cupboard Under The Stairs.

Meanwhile, the show, set to premiere in December 2026, will adapt J.K. Rowling’s seven books into seven seasons, with the first, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, running eight episodes.

According to the series’ official logline, “There is nothing special about Harry Potter — at least that’s what his Aunt Petunia always says. On his 11th birthday, a letter of admittance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry opens up a hidden world for Harry: one of fun, friendship and magic. But with this new adventure comes great risk as Harry is forced to face a dangerous enemy from his past.”

The trailer gives a closer look at the wizarding world, showing parts of the story that weren’t fully covered in the original movies.

In addition, McLaughlin is joined by Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Production began last July, with the creative team focused on expanding the books’ original details.

The series also features John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Katherine Parkinson, and Bel Powley. As for Voldemort, the role is still unconfirmed, with rumours about Cillian Murphy being rejected.

Notably, the shows’ first season, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, will be available to stream at Christmas 2026.

Related: Daniel Radcliffe on iconic Golden Trio’s reaction to ‘Harry Potter’ reboot