A second trailer for HBO’s Harry Potter television adaptation has offered fans their fullest look yet at Dominic McLaughlin’s first year at Hogwarts, ahead of the series’ premiere on Christmas Day.
The new footage follows Harry, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as they arrive at the school of witchcraft and wizardry, meet their teachers and begin to uncover the danger surrounding the Philosopher’s Stone.
McLaughlin, a young Scottish actor, takes over the role of Harry Potter from Daniel Radcliffe. He is joined by Arabella Stanton as Hermione and Alastair Stout as Ron in the eight-episode first season, officially titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Among the trailer’s most recognisable moments is the trio’s entrance into Hogwarts’ Great Hall, where Harry faces the Sorting Hat. He pleads not to be placed in Slytherin before being sent to Gryffindor, to the delight of the other pupils.
The preview also shows Harry receiving his wand, attending lessons and taking his first steps towards becoming a Quidditch player. In one scene, he appears uncertain about the reputation that precedes him, saying: “Everyone thinks I’m this great wizard, but I don’t really know anything.”
John Lithgow appears as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, while Janet McTeer plays the stern but protective Professor McGonagall. Nick Frost is seen as gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid and Paapa Essiedu makes an appearance as the hostile Potions master Severus Snape.
The latest footage expands on the first teaser, which was released in March and focused largely on Harry’s unhappy childhood with the Dursleys and his discovery of the wizarding world.
Viewers are also given glimpses of Herbology, Quidditch and the threat posed by a troll in the school’s underground passages. The trailer closes with Harry beginning to learn the story of the Philosopher’s Stone and the dark presence linked to it.
Harry Potter series set for Christmas premiere
The television adaptation is being developed by HBO in association with Warner Bros Television and Brontë Film and TV. It is written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, with Succession director Mark Mylod also serving as an executive producer and directing several episodes.
The series is intended to provide a more detailed adaptation of JK Rowling’s books than the original film franchise, with each season expected to focus on one of the novels. Filming has been taking place at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire.
The official Wizarding World website has confirmed that the programme will be available on HBO and HBO Max from 25 December 2026, including in the UK and Ireland.
Production on the second season is scheduled to begin this autumn. Kit Harington has been confirmed as Gilderoy Lockhart for the follow-up season, replacing Nicholas Hoult, who withdrew from the role amid reports of scheduling difficulties.
The show has faced controversy since it was announced in 2023 because of the involvement of Rowling, who is an executive producer. Some campaigners have called for a boycott over her views on transgender issues, while Essiedu has said he received racist abuse and death threats after being cast as Snape.
Despite the criticism, HBO is pressing ahead with one of television’s most closely watched new adaptations, with the new trailer placing the emphasis firmly on Hogwarts, its young cast and the return of Rowling’s wizarding world.
