The new ‘Harry Potter’ trailer is here, and the sorting hat ceremony alone is breaking the internet

HBO has dropped a second trailer for its ‘Harry Potter’ series, giving fans a longer look at the show ahead of its Christmas debut. The footage leans heavily on familiar moments from the first book, offering a mix of nostalgia and fresh casting.

Dominic McLaughlin plays the title role, taking over from Daniel Radcliffe, who originated the part in the film franchise more than two decades ago. Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout join him as Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.

Sorting ceremony and first day jitters

The trailer opens with the trio arriving at Hogwarts and going through the sorting ceremony. Harry, Ron and Hermione all end up in Gryffindor, setting the stage for their friendship.

Viewers also see Hermione on the Hogwarts Express before the ceremony, along with a scene of the Weasley family gathered at their dining table. Harry is shown picking up the Sorting Hat while Albus Dumbledore, played by John Lithgow, watches closely.

The footage then moves into the start-of-term feast, where food appears across the house tables in front of the new students.

Quidditch, classes and castle life

Several scenes focus on Harry’s early days as a student. The trailer includes glimpses of his classes, including herbology and potions, along with moments inside Gryffindor Tower.

Harry is also shown on the Quidditch pitch, trying the sport for the first time. Severus Snape, played by Paapa Essiedu, appears nearby, unimpressed with his new student. That tension mirrors a key relationship from the books, driven by Snape’s history with Harry’s father, James.

Other staff members make appearances as well. Janet McTeer plays Minerva McGonagall and Nick Frost plays Rubeus Hagrid, rounding out the Hogwarts faculty shown in the trailer.

Familiar objects and growing mystery

The trailer highlights several artifacts central to the story. Harry is seen putting on his father’s Invisibility Cloak and looking into the Mirror of Erised, which shows viewers their deepest desires.

There is also a brief appearance of a troll in the school bathroom, a key event from early in the first book. The trailer hints at the larger mystery surrounding the Philosopher’s Stone, which Harry, Ron and Hermione begin investigating.

A few short flashback shots appear to show Lily and James Potter, Harry’s parents. Another quick shot may hint at Lord Voldemort, though the footage does not confirm the figure directly.

New visual details

The series appears to keep much of the visual world close to the books. The Hogwarts houses retain their traditional colors, and student robes remain black, following the original description.

One notable change involves the Hogwarts crest. Instead of the familiar coat of arms, the show uses a simpler design built around a single letter H. Close viewers can also spot updated house emblems around the school and on Quidditch uniforms.

Release details

‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ is set to premiere on HBO and HBO Max on December 25, 2026. The series runs for eight episodes and adapts the first book in J.K. Rowling’s series.

Francesca Gardiner is writing the show and serving as executive producer. HBO first teased the project earlier this year with a single image showing McLaughlin in Gryffindor robes, walking toward the Quidditch pitch. That early look has now expanded into a fuller trailer covering much of Harry’s first year at Hogwarts.

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