HBO has unveiled the initial image from its eagerly anticipated Harry Potter television adaptation.
The photograph, presented below, features young Harry (Dominic McLaughlin) from the rear as he approaches the Quidditch pitch, wearing a Griffindor cloak amidst a snowy landscape.
The announcement additionally hinted at the debut of the series’ first teaser trailer on Wednesday, accompanied by the text “tomorrow” and a lightning bolt emoji. Furthermore, a banner in the top right corner highlights “Fred and George” (referring to the Weasley twins).
Harry Potter is set to re-envision J.K. Rowling’s septet of fantasy novels, which have surpassed 600 million copies sold globally, alongside its eight film adaptations that have collectively earned over $7 billion. Each installment of the series will adapt one of the seven books, with Succession scribe Francesca Gardiner serving as showrunner and Game of Thrones alum Mark Mylod helming multiple episodes.
John Lithgow is slated to portray Headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the production. Arabella Stanton will take on the role of Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout has been cast as Ron Weasley. The ensemble also features notable actors such as Ozark‘s compelling Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall, Nick Frost of Shaun of the Dead as the half-giant Hagrid and, in an intriguing casting choice, Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You) as Potions Professor Severus Snape.
JB Perrette, CEO and president of global streaming & games at Warner Bros. Discovery, has enthusiastically promoted the series, describing it as “the most monumental streaming event in HBO Max’s history and arguably across all streaming services, full stop. It excels in numerous aspects.” The show is scheduled for a 2027 release.
Below is a comprehensive comparison of the Harry Potter cast for the new series against the actors who played each character in the original Warner Bros. films.