‘Harry Potter’ trailer gives fans their first look at iconic moments

A new trailer for the first season of the new Harry Potter TV series has arrived, with fans unimpressed with the show’s similarity to the movies.

The adaptation of J.K.

Rowling’s book series is scheduled to arrive on HBO Max on Christmas Day, and is a new interpretation of the novels following the highly successful film series which ran from 2001 to 2011, starring Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson .

The new show will see Dominic McLaughlin step into the lead role, with other cast members including John Lithgow as Professor Dumbledore , and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.

Check out the clip below.

The new trailer features many famous moments from the stories, including Harry under the sorting hat, a look at the Quidditch pitch, and Hogwarts’ great hall.

The desaturated colour palette from the first trailer has been replaced with a more colourful look similar to the movies.

So similar, in fact, that fans on X (formerly Twitter) have questioned the show’s existence.

“This still looks virtually identical to the movies just with a different cast, like what’s the point?” asked one user, with another adding: “I mean.. it looks like the movies we already have but with worse casting choices.” Even if JKR wasn’t mad this still looks virtually identical to the movies just with a different cast, like what’s the point? — WOOD-SPIDER (@furlan_mai66776) September 2, 2026 I mean.. it looks like the movies we already have but with worse casting choices. — Lawrence (@LawrenceDeLamon) September 2, 2026 “This looks like a horrible parody of the original Harry Potter series,” observed one person, while another said: “It’s like the original Harry Potter movies but worse looking, with everything that looks decent being something that’s carried over from the movies.” this looks like a horrible parody of the original harry potter series. we will NAWT be watching. pic.twitter.com/WSVt9J1L2B — DE'RON (@deronworld) September 3, 2026 It’s like the original Harry Potter movies but worse looking, with everything that looks decent being something that’s carried over from the movies https://t.co/S80gfkcYEB — Spencer (@Spencer_404_) September 2, 2026 Posting images of the original movies, one post argued: “This looks like Harry Potter, but it doesn’t feel like Harry Potter.

The OG charm and atmosphere are missing.” This looks like Harry Potter, but it doesn’t feel like Harry Potter.

The OG charm and atmosphere are missing. https://t.co/PVEfeICSLq pic.twitter.com/fb9NJMe4Ss — The Film Archive (@PositiveSpeace) September 3, 2026 The show’s second season is currently in production, with Kit Harington recently replacing Nicholas Hoult in the role of Gilderoy Lockhart.

The show has been met with criticism due to Rowling’s views on gender and trans rights.