‘Harry Potter’ trailer: HBO reveals first Quidditch, Sorting Hat and Hogwarts footage

The new trailer offers the most detailed look yet at HBO’s ambitious television adaptation of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, which premieres this Christmas

Updated - September 03, 2026 03:03 pm IST

A still from ‘Harry Potter’ | Photo Credit: HBO

HBO has released a brand-new trailer for its upcoming Harry Potter television series, offering the most extensive look yet at the reimagined world of Hogwarts ahead of the show’s Christmas Day premiere. The second official trailer introduces several iconic moments from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, including Harry’s arrival at Hogwarts, the Sorting Ceremony, his first Quidditch match and the magical world that awaits the Boy Who Lived.

The footage gives fans their clearest look so far at Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter alongside Arabella Stanton’s Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout’s Ron Weasley, with the trio taking centre stage as they begin their first year at Hogwarts. The trailer also expands the supporting cast considerably, revealing new scenes featuring John Lithgow’s Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer’s Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu’s Severus Snape and Nick Frost’s Rubeus Hagrid.

Among the biggest reveals is the first substantial footage of Hogwarts itself. The Great Hall, sprawling courtyards, moving staircases, Gryffindor common room and Professor Sprout’s greenhouse all receive fresh screen time. The trailer also includes Harry’s encounter with the Sorting Hat, his discovery of the Mirror of Erised and the infamous mountain troll sequence from the first novel.

Quidditch also finally makes its debut in the promotional footage, with Harry seen soaring above the pitch on a broomstick during what appears to be his first match for Gryffindor. The invisibility cloak, another cornerstone of the first book, is shown in action for the first time, while eagle-eyed viewers have also spotted Luke Thallon’s Professor Quirinus Quirrell wearing the character’s distinctive purple turban.

The series is being developed as a faithful long-form adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven novels, with each season expected to cover one book rather than condensing the story into feature-length films. Francesca Gardiner serves as showrunner and writer, while Succession director Mark Mylod helms multiple episodes of the eight-episode first season. Rowling remains attached as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, Gardiner, Mylod and longtime franchise producer David Heyman.

HBO has already confirmed that Season 2, adapting Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, is in development as production continues with the young cast in order to minimise the gap between seasons.

The first season, officially titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, premieres on December 25, 2026 on HBO and HBO Max, and on JioHotstar in India.

Published - September 03, 2026 02:02 pm IST

cinema / English cinema / television / arts, culture and entertainment

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