Watch the trailer for the new ‘Harry Potter’ series now
Watch the trailer for the new ‘Harry Potter’ series now
HBO Max is bringing Harry Potter back with a new cast, fresh vision, and decade-long plan.
For me, reading the “Harry Potter” series as a kid kicked off my lifelong love for books and storytelling. And when “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” came out in 2001, I was 12 — about the same age as Harry Potter himself when he goes to Hogwarts. And so, it feels like I literally grew up alongside these characters. These movies are magical in every sense of the word - getting darker as the kids grow older and masterfully building to an epic climax of good vs. evil. It’s hard to imagine our world without “Harry Potter.” Now, Max is bringing adventure to the small screen with a decade-long TV series that promises to take us deeper into the wizarding world than ever before. With a brand-new cast, fresh creative vision, and a massive budget to make Hogwarts more immersive than ever, this isn’t just a remake - it’s the next big chapter in “Harry Potter” history. Here’s everything you need to know.
Everything you need to know about the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series:
When will the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series premiere?
The first episode of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” — the series is using the British title of the first book, not the American — will arrive on HBO Max on Dec. 25, 2026. Subsequent episodes will be released on the following Fridays; there has been no word yet from HBO as to whether multiple episodes will premiere on Christmas Day, or if it will release only one episode on that date. Given the fact that so many people will have extra viewing time around the holidays, however, it seems likely the company will opt to release at least two episodes on that date.
Watch the trailer for ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’
Check out photos from ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’
Click images to expand to full size.
Who’s been cast so far in the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series?
Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin, and Alastair Stout will portray Hermione, Harry, and Ron in the new ‘Harry Potter’ show.
In May 2025, it was revealed that Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout had been cast in the roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, respectively.
There have been several confirmed castings for the “Harry Potter” TV series, as well. John Lithgow is confirmed as Albus Dumbledore, stepping into the iconic role previously played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon. Meanwhile, Janet McTeer will play Professor McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu will embody Severus Snape. Other roles cast include Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. Nick Frost has been signed to portray Rubeus Hagrid in the show.
Also in the cast will be Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt and Johnny Flynn as Draco and Lucius Malfoy, Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby as Petunia and Vernon Dursley, Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown.
What is the ‘Harry Potter’ TV series about?
The “Harry Potter” TV series is set to be the most in-depth adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s books yet, promising to explore the wizarding world with a level of detail the movies never could. While the films had to condense massive books into just a couple of hours, the series will have entire seasons dedicated to each book, allowing more time to develop characters, explore subplots, and bring Hogwarts to life in a way that’s never been done before. Fans can expect moments from the books that were left out of the movies - like Peeves the Poltergeist, S.P.E.W., or even full Quidditch seasons - finally getting their time on screen. With a decade-long production timeline, this show isn’t just a remake - it’s a complete reimagining of the story, built for a new generation of fans.
One of the biggest differences between the movies and the show is how it tells the story. The films followed Harry’s perspective closely, but with a TV format, there’s room to expand beyond just his point of view. We could see deeper dives into the backgrounds of characters like Snape, McGonagall, or even the Marauders. The show could also take its time building up major plotlines, instead of rushing through them - like the gradual shift in Hogwarts under Umbridge’s rule or the slow unraveling of Dumbledore’s past in “Deathly Hallows.” With HBO behind it, there’s also the potential for a darker, more mature tone, leaning into the complexities of the wizarding world in a way that wasn’t fully explored in the films.
But even with all these differences, the core of the story remains the same: a young boy discovering his magical heritage and facing a destiny much bigger than himself. The showrunners have promised a “faithful adaptation,” meaning the heart of “Harry Potter” - its themes of friendship, bravery, and the battle between good and evil - will stay intact. The biggest challenge will be striking the right balance between nostalgia and something fresh, but with a massive budget, a carefully chosen creative team, and an entirely new cast stepping into these legendary roles, this series has the potential to redefine the way we experience “Harry Potter” on screen.
Harry Potter
There is nothing special about Harry Potter - at least that’s what his Aunt Petunia always says. On his 11th birthday, a letter of admittance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry opens up a hidden world for Harry: one of fun, friendship and magic. But with this new adventure comes great risk as Harry is forced to face a dangerous enemy from his past.
Who’s creating the TV adaptation of ‘Harry Potter’?
The “Harry Potter” TV series is being led by Francesca Gardiner, best known for her work as a consulting producer on “Succession” and an executive producer on “His Dark Materials.” Gardiner won the role of showrunner after a competitive selection process, beating out other high-profile writers to take charge of the adaptation. She’ll also serve as the series’s head writer, bringing her experience with complex character-driven storytelling to the wizarding world. Mark Mylod, who directed multiple episodes of “Succession” and “Game of Thrones,” is on board as an executive producer and will direct several episodes, setting the tone for the series. The writers’ room has also brought in Laura Neal, known for her work on “Killing Eve,” adding even more talent to the creative team.
Behind the scenes, J.K. Rowling is involved as an executive producer alongside her longtime collaborators Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts. While Rowling will have creative input, the show’s direction will largely be shaped by Gardiner and the HBO team. Warner Bros. has also been in talks with Framestore, the VFX company responsible for the original films, to bring the magical world to life again. Costume designer Holly Waddington, fresh off her Oscar win for “Poor Things,” has also joined the production, ensuring the visual style of the series will be as immersive as ever. With a mix of prestige TV veterans and key players from the Harry Potter universe, the series is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious book adaptations HBO has ever attempted.
HBO Max
HBO Max is a subscription video streaming service that gives access to the full HBO library and exclusive Max Originals. There are hubs for content from TLC, HGTV, Food Network, Discovery, TCM, Cartoon Network, Travel Channel, ID, and more. Watch hit series like “The Last of Us,” “House of the Dragon,” “Succession,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and more. Within HBO Max, B/R Sports allows users to watch live NBA, MLB, NHL, March Madness, and NASCAR events.