Second trailer for HBO's Harry Potter TV series reveals new cast and key scenes

Unbiased summary

HBO released the second official trailer for its upcoming television adaptation of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone', starring newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter. The trailer shows iconic moments including the sorting ceremony, Quidditch, and encounters with Snape. It also introduces Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and adult actors like John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Paapa Essiedu as Snape. Production began in July in Hertfordshire, with the series expected to premiere at Christmas. The project has faced controversy: Nicholas Hoult stepped back from a season two role amid backlash over J.K. Rowling's views on transgender rights, and actor John Lithgow publicly criticised her stance. Fan reactions to the trailer have been mixed, with some questioning the need for a remake of the beloved film series.

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Coverage by outlet

The Guardian left

Angle Presents the series as a major cultural event, focusing on production details and cast while noting the Rowling controversy in a measured way.

Bias Emphasises the scale and talent involved (e.g., Succession alums) and includes Lithgow's criticism of Rowling, subtly aligning with critics. It omits the widespread fan skepticism about the remake and treats the controversy as a notable fact rather than a central issue. The tone is neutral but leans slightly towards the progressive side by not defending Rowling.

Quidditch, Muggles, magic: new Harry Potter trailer gives full look at TV show

Daily Mail right

Angle Defends J.K. Rowling and frames the backlash as coming from 'anti-JK Rowling activists', while building excitement for the trailer.

Bias Emphasises Rowling's status as a 'fierce defender of women's rights' and downplays the legitimacy of trans rights criticism. It frames Hoult's exit as 'backing out' due to activists, without discussing the specifics. The trailer content is described positively with no mention of negative fan reactions, omitting the division noted by other outlets.

Harry Potter struggles with his spells, wears the sorting hat and tries his hand at Quidditch in brand new trailer for anticipated TV series set to air at Christmas

GB News right

Angle Focuses on fan division and questions the need for the remake, framing the trailer as unoriginal and the project as controversial.

Bias Highlights negative fan reactions, quoting viewers who call the trailer 'identical' and ask 'what's the point?'. It downplays the excitement around new casting and production, instead emphasising the controversy and the creators' struggles. The outlet refrains from taking a clear side on Rowling but uses the word 'fantastic' only in quotes, maintaining a sceptical tone throughout.

Harry Potter fans left divided by new HBO trailer as viewers blast 'identical' reboot: 'What's the point?'