Dominic McLaughlin is the “new” Harry Potter in the HBO series “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
Christmas will be more special for Harry Potter fans. With “huge” investment and JK Rowling behind the scenes, a new group of actors will follow a script very faithful to the original.
The long-awaited new Harry Potter television series is coming, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stonethe new adaptation of JK Rowling’s books that promises to relaunch the Hogwarts universe for a new generation of viewers.
After seven books, eight films, a play, theme parks and lots and lots of merchandising, the HBO production, announced by Warner Bros. Discovery in April 2023, is the first appearance of the young wizard’s saga on the small screen, in series format.
What is the series about?
Warner Bros.’ intention to Discovery is that each season corresponds, in principle, to one of the books, starting with the Philosopher’s Stone and continuing throughout several years.
According to the information released, and judging by the teaser released this Wednesday, the new series should be quite faithful to the original novels.
The released synopsis follows the beginning of Harry Potter’s journey that we already know in this first season: a boy raised by his uncle and uncle who discovers on his 11th birthday that he has been accepted into Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Wizardry. Entering this new world opens the doors to friendship, adventure and magic, but it also puts him face to face with dangers linked to his past that he was unaware of.
HBO released the series this Wednesday:
JK Rowling will be involved
The series will feature JK Rowling’s direct involvement: will be one of the executive producers.
The author, whose presence in the project has been accompanied by criticism due to comments on trans issues, thus maintains an active role in supervising the adaptation. According to information provided by HBO, Rowling will be involved to help ensure the narrative’s fidelity to the original literary universe.
In addition to Rowling, the executive producing team includes Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Lettsda Brontë Film and TV, e David Heymanfrom Heyday Films, one of the figures associated with the saga’s previous cinematic success.
Responsibility for writing the series will lie with Francesca Gardinerwho also assumes the role of executive producer. Gardiner is known for her work on series such as Succession, Killing Eve and His Dark Materials.
Already Mark Mylodalso linked to Succession and director of the film The Menu, will be executive producer and direct several episodes.
The new Harry Potter adaptation required a “huge commitment” and a “financial investment that HBO wouldn’t normally make,” according to Sarah Aubrey, the network’s head of original programming.
The cast
Warner Bros. Discovery made it clear early on that this will be a production with a new group of actorsruling out the hypothesis of a return of the stars of the original cinematic saga. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter in the films, assured in May 2024 that he will not participate in the series.
Several names have already been revealed for central characters in the first season. Among the most popular is John Lithgowchosen to play Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts.
In April 2025, HBO also confirmed other important names: Janet McTeer will be Minerva McGonagall, Especially Essiedu will play Severus Snape and Nick Frost will bring Rubeus Hagrid to life. It was also announced Luke Thallon in the role of Professor Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse like Argus Filch.
The main trio will be played by three new actors: Dominic McLaughlin like Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton like Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout Like Ron Weasley.
When does it come out and where to see it
The series is scheduled to premiere on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026and will be shown on HBO, and will also be available in streaming on HBO Max.
will be released eight episodes, one per weekin this first season which is named after the first book and the first film in the long saga.
Although Warner Bros. Discovery described the project, in 2023, as a series designed to last a decade, it has not yet been clarified exactly how many seasons it will have.
