The trailer for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series was released today and the beloved wizarding world is alive once again with a fresh cast and a fresh vision.
Based on the best-selling books by JK Rowling, the series re-visits the iconic story of the boy who lived, this time with newcomer Dominic McLaughlin in the part.
The teaser begins with Harry’s hard life under the stairs before a mysterious letter arrives to change everything and invites Harry to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The series will adapt all the seven novels, starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which was first adapted for the screen in 2001, directed by Chris Columbus.
Alongside McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton will step into the roles of Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger and form the central trio.
The cast also includes Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Hagrid, and Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall.
The two-minute teaser has already stirred hearts with nostalgia, featuring such important events as Harry’s choice of wand, his friendship with Ron and Hermione as a child, and his first Quidditch match.
However, the series has also received criticism, especially regarding casting decisions (Lithgow and Essiedu were reportedly criticised on the internet).
Rowling herself is a controversial figure because of her much debated views.
Originally the series was slated to air much later, but HBO has now confirmed that the series will air on Christmas this year.
Written by Francesca Gardiner and directed by Mark Mylod, the show has music by Hans Zimmer and the Bleeding Fingers collective promising a grand re-imaging of the magical saga.
Also read: The real history of Wizards: Facts, myths, and the truth behind the magic
