Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will arrive on HBO on 25 December 2026, introducing a new television adaptation of the first book in J.K. Rowling’s fantasy series.
A new beginning for Harry Potter on television
HBO’s remake will take a longer-form approach than the earlier eight-film adaptation. Each book is planned as its own season, beginning with an eight-episode retelling of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. In the United States and some other regions, the same story is known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
A newly released trailer and accompanying images provide a broader look at the production, including Hogwarts and the young actors playing Harry, Hermione and Ron. The material follows HBO’s first teaser, which was released in March.
The series is expected to revisit Harry’s arrival at Hogwarts, his friendships with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and the mysteries hidden within the school. The story also explores the darker forces connected to Harry’s past.
What is Philosopher’s Stone about?
Harry grows up believing there is nothing unusual about him, an idea reinforced by his Aunt Petunia. That changes when a mysterious admission letter invites him to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
There is nothing special about Harry Potter – or so his Aunt Petunia tells him. 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.
At Hogwarts, Harry, Ron and Hermione become friends while investigating the school’s secrets and facing dangerous magical threats. Their discoveries reveal important details about Harry’s history.
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The new cast of Hogwarts
Dominic McLaughlin plays Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. The adult cast includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
The wider Hogwarts student cast features Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Elijah Oshin as Dean Thomas, Tristan Harland as Fred Weasley, Gabriel Harland as George Weasley, Ruari Spooner as Percy Weasley, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown, Finn Stephens as Vincent Crabbe and William Nash as Gregory Goyle.
Warwick Davis returns as Filius Flitwick, while Sirine Saba plays Pomona Sprout. The staff and school characters also include Richard Durden as Cuthbert Binns, Louise Brealey as Rolanda Hooch, Bríd Brennan as Poppy Pomfrey, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Leigh Gill as Griphook and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander.
The Dursley and Ministry of Magic roles are played by Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Gracie Cochrane as Ginny Weasley, Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy and Bertie Carvel as Cornelius Fudge. Luke Thallon plays Quirinus Quirrell, Katherine Parkinson plays Molly Weasley and Bríd Brennan plays Poppy Pomfrey.
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Harry Potter HBO premiere date
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone premieres on HBO on 25 December 2026. The first season will consist of eight episodes and will begin the planned book-by-book television adaptation.
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