HBO has released the second official trailer for its upcoming television adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, offering a longer look at the new cast and Harry Potter’s first year at Hogwarts.
The trailer features newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter alongside Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger. It shows several familiar moments from the first book, including Harry using the invisibility cloak, playing Quidditch and facing Professor Snape.
The new trailer follows the first teaser released in March for the eight-episode series, which is based on JK Rowling’s first Harry Potter book.
The cast also includes Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid and John Lithgow as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
Luke Thallon will play Quirinus Quirrell while Paul Whitehouse has been cast as Argus Filch. Lox Pratt will portray Draco Malfoy with Johnny Flynn playing his father Lucius Malfoy. Bel Powley will appear as Petunia Dursley, Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.
The series began production in Hertfordshire, England, in July last year. Succession writer Francesca Gardiner is leading the series as showrunner while Mark Mylod, also known for Succession, will direct several episodes.
The HBO series has also faced changes to its second-season cast. Nicholas Hoult stepped away from his previously announced role following criticism from people opposed to Rowling’s views on transgender rights. Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington has since replaced him as Gilderoy Lockhart, the Hogwarts Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.
Several cast members have also spoken publicly about Rowling’s views. Lithgow previously described her position on transgender rights as “ironic and inexplicable”.
“It upsets me when people are vehemently opposed to me having anything to do with this,” he said. “But in Potter canon you see no trace of transphobic sensitivity. She [Rowling] has written this meditation of kindness and acceptance. And Dumbledore is a beautiful role.”
Powley also said she disagreed with Rowling’s views on gender.
“I strongly disagree with JK Rowling’s views on gender,” she said. “I think that the trans community deserve safety and dignity and respect and total acceptance.”
Rowling remains involved with the series as an executive producer in an advisory capacity.
The show is set to premiere on Christmas, with each subsequent Harry Potter book expected to form the basis of a new season.
