HBO has revealed a longer look at its upcoming Harry Potter TV series with a new trailer.
The two-and-a-half-minute preview introduces more scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It also gives fans a closer look at the young cast and their teachers at Hogwarts.
The trailer features several iconic moments from JK Rowling’s first book. These include the Sorting Hat ceremony, Quidditch matches and the students’ first flying lessons.
Dominic McLaughlin plays the young Harry Potter in the new series.
The trailer shows Harry flying a broom and exploring Hogwarts with his friends. It also shows him enjoying meals in the Great Hall and investigating the mystery surrounding the Philosopher’s Stone.
Arabella Stanton plays Hermione Granger, while Alastair Stout takes on the role of Ron Weasley.
The three young actors secured the leading roles after a huge open casting process. Around 32,000 children auditioned for the parts.
The casting team reviewed as many as 1,000 audition tapes each day before selecting the trio.
The latest trailer also gives viewers more time with the adult cast.
John Lithgow plays Albus Dumbledore, while Janet McTeer portrays Professor Minerva McGonagall. Paapa Essiedu plays Professor Severus Snape.
The previous trailer offered only brief glimpses of the three characters. The latest footage shows them playing a much larger role in the story.
The trailer also previews a Snape-led classroom scene. Other moments show students learning to fly and Harry, Ron and Hermione investigating the Philosopher’s Stone.
The new series has already attracted criticism.
Some critics have questioned the decision to remake the story after the success of the original eight films. Those movies arrived between 2001 and 2011 and became a major part of popular culture.
The show has also faced criticism because of Rowling’s views on transgender rights. Some critics have challenged the adult actors involved in the production. The casting has faced further changes.
In August, Nicholas Hoult left the project weeks after producers announced him as Gilderoy Lockhart. Hoult cited scheduling conflicts for his departure. Kit Harrington then replaced him in the role.
The new Harry Potter series will feature eight episodes.
HBO Max plans to premiere the show at Christmas. The series will revisit the story of Harry, Ron and Hermione from the beginning. Rowling remains involved with the production as an executive producer and adviser.
She has denied accusations of transphobia. She previously said she respects every transgender person’s right to live in a way that feels authentic and comfortable.
The latest trailer now gives fans their clearest look yet at the magical world HBO plans to bring back to screens.
