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Accio, critics!
HBO Max’s new Harry Potter series, premiering Christmas 2026, has been under heavy scrutiny since the streamer announced its production—and now with the release of its new, full-length teaser this week, a flood of fury and fandom has erupted. While some folks are excited about what they’re seeing—a seemingly darker take on the magical franchise—others are not convinced the show needs to exist or that it looks too grim for the Wizarding World.
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Here's what to know about the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone series, including that new trailer and what fans are saying about it.
What is the Harry Potter TV series about?
“There is nothing special about Harry Potter - or so his Aunt Petunia tells him,” the logline reads. “But when a mysterious letter of admission to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry arrives, it opens the door to a hidden world of magic, friendship and adventure. Yet behind Hogwarts’ enchanted walls lie dark secrets. Harry must find the courage to prove himself against the darkest wizard of all.”
Who is in the cast of the Harry Potter TV series?
The upcoming Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone introduces a new cast playing the franchise's fan-favorite characters: Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, and Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, among others.
Watch the trailer of the Harry Potter TV series below:
HBO Harry Potter adaptation reactions:
Clearly, all the big moments are there—the dining hall welcome ceremony, the sorting hat, the Mirror of Erisid, the mandrake potting class, the troll in the dungeon, and everyone’s character design looks about the same as the 2001 movie … and that’s the point a lot of critics are making. It’s too similar, so why do it? Especially when its author, J.K. Rowling, has made anti-trans statements and stands to profit from this new series.
Watching the trailer and getting flashbacks of the movie series
— Faheel Tariq (@tfaheel) September 2, 2026
Absolutely no idea what was the purpose of this remake apart from making $$$$
Waste of time production wise and even for audience
Others on X are saying they should’ve at least featured more of what we didn’t get in the movies.
Doesn't look bad at all... but I have a feeling I've already seen all of that. 😅
— DavidMC (@davidmcromp) September 2, 2026
I think they should have focused more on things that were not in the movie.
Others say it’s the same, just with worse casting.
So its every scene from the movie exactly the same with a different less charismatic cast? I really want this to work but its not looking great.
— Rael (@quasi_mortal) September 2, 2026
And many are complaining about how literally dark the show looks, especially compared to the warmer, brighter film.
There's more color in a movie of Robert Eggers.
— Ángel Marcos 🏳️🌈 (@angelluismarcos) September 3, 2026
But, of course, you will have your die-hard fans and general excitement around a new retelling. I mean, who could deny Dominic McLaughlin’s million-watt smile?
I get being true to the OG cast I really do however being a Harry Potter head myself since i was 23, I am VERY interested in this. I'm not into the controversies over it buy I am into watching a newer perspective of it. It's more of a re telling than remake. It has potential. ❤️
— Night Creature🧛♀️ (@NitwitMisfit) September 2, 2026
As much as it makes me cringe to see a Harry Potter reboot I think the series would will make a great TV series. They can fit so much more content per school year
— Donovan Wonacott (@DonovanWonacott) September 2, 2026
The point that HBO Max has made is that more will be told in a TV series than could be told in film. So while it’ll hit all the beloved story points, it’ll offer more: a deeper retelling.
Time will tell—for kids today, it’ll be their version of the series, for better or worse!