A new trailer for HBO Max’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series has been released ahead of its official premiere. The series is based on J.K. Rowling’s popular Wizarding World books, though the new trailer and other recent reveals suggest the show may make some changes to the story.
The official synopsis reads, “An orphan boy, mistreated by his relatives, discovers he’s a wizard. He receives a letter to attend Hogwarts School, where he finds friendship, magic, and adventure, finally discovering the home and love he was always meant to have.”
Along with the trailer, fans also got their first look at Harry’s Hogwarts acceptance letter and the new crests for Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. The designs look different from the versions previously seen in the Harry Potter movies.
The first season will adapt Rowling’s first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which follows 11-year-old Harry as he receives his Hogwarts letter and enters the Wizarding World. While the letter features the same green-ink writing seen in the 2001 movie, the Hogwarts crest has been redesigned with a cleaner look.
The four house crests have also been updated with simpler designs.
The new Harry Potter series is also expected to include characters and moments from the books that were never shown in the original movies.
The cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Other cast members include John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Nick Frost, Rory Wilmot, and Neville Longbottom, among others.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will have eight episodes and is set to premiere on HBO Max on December 25, 2026.