First clip from Harry Potter TV series released

Updated / Sunday, 15 Nov 2026
15:19

US TV network HBO has released a sneak peek first clip from its Harry Potter television series.

The show, launching at Christmas, has been adapted from JK Rowling’s first novel, Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone.

A 90-second clip has been shared on social media showing a magical banquet scene at the Hogwarts boarding school.

The series stars Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton as young wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, respectively.

The clip begins with students chanting the name “Dumbledore” while hitting their hands on the empty tables before the headmaster is seen laughing.

Harry then asks whether Dumbledore, played by John Lithgow, is “a bit mad.”

His new friend Ron replies: “Yep, totally off his rocker.”

Dumbledore then clicks his fingers and bountiful plates of food magically appear on the tables in front of the excited students.

As they tuck into the feast, Harry – who has grown up in difficult circumstances after the death of his parents, James and Lily, when he was a baby – looks pleased as he eats a chicken drumstick.

The Hogwarts headmaster turns to Minerva McGonagall (Janet McTeer) to ask whether she is pleased that Harry is in the Gryffindor school house she presides over.

“The cat that got the cream? Admit it, you’re pleased that he’s in your house,” Dumbledore says.

Prof McGonagall replies: “Well, he is the spit of James (Potter). I can’t believe it. It’s uncanny.”

“Looks can be deceiving, Minerva. His nature is entirely his own,” Dumbledore adds.

As Harry tries to grab more food, he looks disappointed when the plates disappear, only to be quickly replaced by a delicious array of puddings and cakes.

Other major cast members of the Harry Potter series include Paapa Essiedu as teacher Severus Snape, Nick Frost as gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid, and Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby as Harry’s strict and non-magical aunt and uncle Petunia and Vernon Dursley.

The show aims to be a faithful adaptation of Rowling’s novels while providing a wider insight into the magical wizarding world beyond what was depicted in the hit film franchise from 2001 to 2011.

Harry Potter will premiere on Christmas Day on HBO.