Harry Potter trailer on HBO confirms Christmas 2026 and new cast.

The magic is back — and this time in series format. HBO surprised the world this Wednesday by releasing the first official teaser for the streaming service's most anticipated production and bringing forward the premiere to Christmas 2026, when previously it was slated for 2027. The trailer is already available on Max's official YouTube channel and within the platform's app. In Brazil, the content will arrive via Max with subtitles and dubbing in Portuguese.

The teaser introduces a new trio for a new era: Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley — roles that previously belonged to Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint in the films. These young actors were selected after a process that evaluated no less than 32,000 candidates in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In the adult cast, the highlights are equally impressive: John Lithgow plays Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer takes on the role of Minerva McGonagall, Nick Frost brings Hagrid to life, and Paapa Essiedu will be Severus Snape — a choice that generated controversy and resulted in death threats against the actor.

The series is a collaboration between HBO, Brontë Film and TV, and Warner Bros. Television. Francesca Gardiner is the showrunner responsible for writing, with Mark Mylod — a Game of Thrones veteran — directing several episodes. David Heyman, producer of the original films, and J.K. Rowling herself participate as executive producers.

The CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, JB Perrette, didn't mince words: he called the series "the biggest streaming event in HBO Max history." The expectation of fans around the world confirms that the statement may not be an exaggeration.

Key points:

The series promises to go beyond the films by adopting a narrative that is not limited to Harry's point of view. Among the new features are scenes with Nicolas Flamel — absent from the films — and the anticipated introduction of Lucius Malfoy, played by Johnny Flynn.

The choice of Paapa Essiedu — a Black actor — for the role of Snape generated intense debate on social media, with the actor even receiving death threats. HBO confirmed that a "serious security team" was activated to protect him.

The structure of eight episodes per season — with each season dedicated to one of the seven books in the saga — allows for the exploration of narrative arcs in depth impossible in the films, potentially extending over a decade of productions.

Harry Potter HBO Max 2026 series, Harry Potter Christmas 2026 trailer, new Harry Potter series cast, Dominic McLaughlin Harry Potter actor, Harry Potter Philosopher's Stone HBO premiere

LEIA TAMBÉM

OnlyFans owner dies at 43 after secret battle with cancer.

Pistons Top Lakers 113-110 as Jenkins Drops Career Night with 30 Pts