A newly released teaser for the upcoming Harry Potter television series shows the titular character trying on the sorting hat and making his Quidditch debut at Hogwarts.
The initial season of the HBO show has been adapted from JK Rowling’s first book, Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone.
The official trailer opens with Janet McTeer appearing as Minerva McGonagall, informing gathered pupils that they must complete the sorting hat ceremony ahead of enjoying a banquet at the magical school.
Clips also feature the three leading characters. Hermione, played by Arabella Stanton, attempts to make friends on the Hogwarts Express by talking about her summer reading, while Ron Weasley (Alastair Stout) tries to read his acceptance letter before his elder brothers spill jam all over it.
open image in galleryHarry – played by Dominic McLaughlin – is summoned to have his turn trying on the sorting hat in the Hogwarts grand hall.
After being told by a fellow student the house they are put in “decides your entire future”, he whispers to himself “Not Slytherin, Not Slytherin” before being put in Gryffindor.
Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore (John Lithgow) welcomes the students to a “new year at Hogwarts”.
The students are treated to a selection of dishes popping out from the table at the click of a finger, leaving them in awe.
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In a meeting with McGonagall, Harry is told that she “expects him to work hard”, before adding that he should “find what sparks your interest and make solid friendships”.
Despite his best efforts, he struggles to get a grasp of his magic lessons, with Harry saying: “Everyone thinks I’m this great wizard… but I don’t really know anything.”
He faces additional pressure from Severus Snape (Paapa Essiedu), who tells the young wizard in the classroom: “Let’s hope you show some talent on the Quidditch pitch. You’ve certainly not exhibited any in here.”
Harry is seen flying through the sky as his friends cheer him on, and he is shown patting his pet owl, Hedwig.
open image in galleryWhile chatting with Hogwarts groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid (Nick Frost), he is told: “Family is more than just blood. You’ll find your place.”
Magical elements of the school are teased, including the Gryffindor lion’s crest roaring and lighting up, chess pieces moving across a board by themselves, and Potter trying on the invisibility cloak.
However, things take a dark turn after Harry tells his friends they have “found something incredible” before they are left screaming.
As Dumbledore tells McGonagall: “We can’t protect them, we can only prepare them.”
Sensing something dark could be on the horizon, Hermione predicts: “Anything could be lurking behind any door in this place.”
The trio turn a page in a book and land on a chapter titled “The Philosopher’s Stone”, with Harry and Ron looking confused before Hermione calls them out over their lack of knowledge about it, questioning: “Don’t you two read?”
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will premiere this Christmas on HBO Max.