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  "path": "/celebrity/harry-potter-trailer-watch-racism-row-casting-hbo-jk-rowling",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-25T21:08:40.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Duffy to speak out for the first time on kidnapping in new documentary about Welsh singer",
    "Disney's The Lion King composer sues comedian for $27 million for 'mocking' iconic song: 'Sick joke'",
    "Harry Potter series ramps up security following targeted death threats and racial abuse",
    "disturbing backlash",
    "transgender issues.",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nHBO has unveiled the trailer for its highly anticipated Harry Potter television adaptation, surprising fans with a Christmas 2026 launch date rather than the 2027 premiere previously announced.\n\nThe streaming giant revealed the first footage during a press event in London earlier today, offering audiences their initial glimpse of the reimagined Wizarding World.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nWarner Bros Discovery's streaming chief, JB Perrette, has described the series as \"the biggest streaming event in the history of HBO Max and arguably in streaming, period\".\n\nThe teaser showcases several memorable sequences from the source material, including the young wizard's encounters with key characters, his wand selection, and the iconic Sorting Hat ceremony.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nProduction has taken place at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in the UK.\n\nEleven-year-old Dominic McLaughlin takes on the titular role, inheriting the part from Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed the character across eight films.\n\nArabella Stanton and Alastair Stout complete the central trio as Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, respectively.\n\nThe adult ensemble features John Lithgow as Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, with Janet McTeer portraying Professor Minerva McGonagall and Nick Frost bringing the half-giant Hagrid to life.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nPaapa Essiedu assumes the role of Potions Master Severus Snape, previously immortalised by the late Alan Rickman.\n\nThe supporting cast includes Paul Whitehouse as caretaker Argus Filch, Luke Thallon as Professor Quirrell, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.\n\nWarwick Davis returns from the original film franchise to reprise his role as Professor Filius Flitwick.\n\nReaction to the trailer has been mixed, with fans divided over the new adaptation.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Duffy to speak out for the first time on kidnapping in new documentary about Welsh singer\n  * Disney's The Lion King composer sues comedian for $27 million for 'mocking' iconic song: 'Sick joke'\n  * Harry Potter series ramps up security following targeted death threats and racial abuse\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSome viewers were quick to criticise the first footage.\n\n\"They’ve officially ruined Harry Potter,\" one critic wrote.\n\nAnother added: \"The guy playing Hagrid seems miscast to me.\"\n\nOthers, however, took a more measured view.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"This is strange cause everyone is used to the cast from the movies but the movies are getting old now and they missed so much from the books so maybe the show will be including more from the original book? i'm personally super excited for this!\" one fan said.\n\nAnother wrote: \"The kid in me just screamed. The adult in me joined in.\"\n\nA third added: \"Gorgeous! I only cried a little bit...\"\n\nEssiedu has spoken publicly about the disturbing backlash he has faced since his casting was announced.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"I've been told, 'Quit or I'll murder you,'\" the Ghanaian-English actor told The Times.\n\n\"The reality is that if I look at Instagram, I will see somebody saying, 'I'm going to come to your house and kill you.'\"\n\nHe added: \"While I hope I'll be okay, nobody should have to encounter this for doing their job.\"\n\nThe actor has channelled the hostility into his performance, using it as \"fuel\" for his portrayal of the complex character.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHBO Chairman Casey Bloys confirmed the network anticipated such reactions and has implemented protective measures, including a \"serious security team\" and training on social media best practices for cast members working on high-profile productions.\n\nThe series has been structured as a faithful retelling of JK Rowling's seven-novel saga, with each season dedicated to adapting a single book from the beloved literary franchise.\n\nSuccession writer Francesca Gardiner serves as showrunner, whilst Game of Thrones director Mark Mylod helms multiple episodes.\n\nMs Rowling herself is attached as executive producer alongside Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts and David Heyman.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAcademy Award winner Hans Zimmer has been recruited to compose the score, working with Kara Talve and Anže Rozman from his Bleeding Fingers collective.\n\nReports suggest each episode carries a budget of approximately $100 million (£74.5million), which would make it the most expensive television production ever mounted.\n\nThe first season will adapt Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, with HBO yet to cast the role of Lord Voldemort.\n\nThe series has also faced scrutiny over the involvement of author JK Rowling, who remains attached as an executive producer and has drawn criticism for her views on transgender issues.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Watch the HBO Harry Potter trailer that left fans divided following major casting row"
}