Harry Potter HBO Max Series: Premiere Date, Cast, Trailer & Everything to Know
The eight-episode adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone premieres December 25, 2026 — here's the full cast, creative team, trailer details, and what HBO has confirmed about Season 2.
After more than three years of anticipation, HBO's Harry Potter TV series is nearly here. The first season, officially titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, premieres on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026, on HBO and HBO Max. A second season — adapting Chamber of Secrets — has already been greenlit, and casting continues to roll out ahead of the premiere. Here is everything we know as of May 2026.
When Does the Harry Potter HBO Series Come Out?
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone premieres December 25, 2026, on HBO in the United States and globally on HBO Max. The first season will consist of eight episodes. HBO Max debuted the first teaser trailer on March 25, 2026, offering a glimpse of Privet Drive, Hagrid's arrival, and Hogwarts itself.
In May 2026, HBO renewed the series for a second season ahead of the Season 1 premiere. Season 2 — Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets — begins filming this fall.
What Is the Harry Potter TV Series About?
"This new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years," Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO & Max Content, said when the project was announced, promising "a faithful adaptation" of J.K. Rowling's novels.
Each season will adapt one book, and the series is planned to run for approximately a decade across seven seasons. Warner Bros. Discovery has confirmed that the Fantastic Beasts films will not be incorporated into this adaptation. Leaked set photos in early 2026 confirmed the series is restoring book material the original films cut — including the prologue's public celebration of Voldemort's downfall and a scene featuring Dedalus Diggle.
Who Is in the Cast of the Harry Potter HBO Series?
After a casting search that drew approximately 32,000 submissions, HBO unveiled the new trio on May 27, 2025.
The Trio
Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter
Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger
Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley
Hogwarts Faculty
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall
Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape
Luke Thallon as Professor Quirinus Quirrell
Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid
Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch
Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch
Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander
The Dursleys
Bel Powley as Aunt Petunia Dursley
Daniel Rigby as Uncle Vernon Dursley
Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley
The Weasley Family
Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley
Tristan Harland as Fred Weasley
Gabriel Harland as George Weasley
Ruari Spooner as Percy Weasley
Gracie Cochrane as Ginny Weasley (Season 1 only — see below)
The Malfoys
Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy
Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy
Other Confirmed Roles
Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom
The role of Lord Voldemort has not yet been cast, despite ongoing rumors. "No, we have not," Casey Bloys said when asked directly, adding, "Any rumors — don't [believe them]. I would take everything you read with a grain of salt."
In a development confirmed in May 2026, Gracie Cochrane will not return as Ginny Weasley for Season 2 due to what HBO described as "unforeseen circumstances," and the role will be recast.
While the new cast takes over the iconic roles, Daniel Radcliffe has said he plans to watch as a fan: "I think they very wisely want to go in a new direction."
Who Is Creating the Harry Potter HBO Series?
Francesca Gardiner (Succession, His Dark Materials, Killing Eve) serves as showrunner and executive producer. Mark Mylod (Succession, Game of Thrones) directs multiple episodes of Season 1 and executive produces. Adriano Goldman (The Crown) is the cinematographer.
In May 2026, HBO elevated Jon Brown — another Succession veteran and Season 1 writer — to co-showrunner for Season 2 alongside Gardiner.
The Season 1 writers' room includes Andy Greenwald, Bijan Sheibani, Josephine Gardiner, Laura Neal, Martha Hillier, Ripley Parker, Sam Holcroft, Ted Cohen, and Jon Brown.
J.K. Rowling is an executive producer, joined by Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman — the producer of all eight original films. "Max's commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me," Rowling has said.
When Did Filming Begin?
Principal photography began July 14, 2025, at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire, England — the same lot where the original eight films were shot. The series films under the working title "Dark Train." Reports indicate Seasons 1 and 2 are being produced on overlapping schedules, with Season 2 set to begin principal photography this fall.
Set photos leaked throughout late 2025 and into 2026 have offered fans a first look at the new cast in costume, including images of the Weasley twins, Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, and exterior shots reportedly filmed at London's Waterloo Station standing in for King's Cross.
How to Watch the Harry Potter HBO Series
The series streams on HBO Max (rebranded from Max in 2025) and airs on HBO for U.S. cable subscribers. In Canada, it will be available on Crave.
How Much Did Harry Potter HBO Cost to Make?
Casey Bloys has indicated production is at a scale similar to House of the Dragon, which carried a per-season budget of approximately $200 million. Fans can expect feature-level visual effects, elaborate practical sets at Leavesden, and detailed costuming.
Will There Be More Harry Potter Projects on HBO?
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has identified the Harry Potter IP as a top franchise priority, and the company has signaled openness to additional Wizarding World projects beyond the core seven-season adaptation.
Recent Developments (May 2026 Updates)
Season 2 Renewed: HBO greenlit Chamber of Secrets in May 2026, with production set to begin this fall.
Jon Brown Upped to Co-Showrunner: The Succession alum joins Francesca Gardiner at the top of the room for Season 2.
Ginny Weasley Recast: Gracie Cochrane will not return for Season 2; the role will be recast.
Premiere Date Locked: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone premieres December 25, 2026.
Teaser Released: The first official teaser dropped March 25, 2026.
Filming Status: Season 1 is in post-production for a Christmas debut; Season 2 begins principal photography this autumn.
Voldemort Still Uncast: Despite ongoing rumors, HBO confirms no actor has been signed.
