First HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE Poster Reveals Hogwarts and a New Look at Harry's Scar
HBO has released the first poster for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, giving fans their first glimpse of the new Hogwarts Castle and a closer look at the Boy Who Lived. The poster also confirms that the highly anticipated Harry Potter series will premiere on Christmas Day, December 25.
The artwork features a close-up of Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, with Hogwarts reflected in his glasses. It's a cool way to introduce the new version of the iconic castle, which looks a little different from the one fans know from the original films.
This version of Hogwarts has a more grounded appearance, resembling something you might actually find in the Scottish Highlands. It still retains the familiar architecture and magical atmosphere, but with a less stylized design
Another noticeable change is Harry's lightning-shaped scar, which looks much more like a healed injury than the clean, recognizable mark seen on Daniel Radcliffe in the movies. It's a small detail, but one that gives this version of Harry a slightly different appearance.
Fans have also pointed out that McLaughlin's eyes are blue rather than green, as described in J.K. Rowling's books. It's a familiar complaint, considering Radcliffe also had blue eyes in the original films.
With the premiere less than two months away, HBO should have plenty more to show fans before the series arrives. The studio is already moving forward with Season 2, which will adapt Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Several new cast members have been announced for the second season, including Kit Harington as Gilderoy Lockhart, Bonnie Hill as Ginny Weasley, Lenny Rush as Dobby, Billy Barratt as Tom Riddle, Rafe Spall as Arthur Weasley, Molly Hewitt-Richards as Moaning Myrtle, and Jasper Ambrose as Colin Creevey.
As for the first season, HBO's official synopsis reads: "There is nothing special about Harry Potter - at least that's what his Aunt Petunia always says. On his 11th birthday, a letter of admittance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry opens up a hidden world for Harry: one of fun, friendship and magic. But with this new adventure comes great risk as Harry is forced to face a dangerous enemy from his past."
Joining McLaughlin in the main cast are Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, and Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy.
The supporting cast includes Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Gracie Cochrane as Ginny Weasley, Leigh Gill as Griphook, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander.
The series is written and executive-produced by Francesca Gardiner, with Mark Mylod serving as executive producer and directing multiple episodes. Rowling and David Heyman are also executive producers. The production comes from HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television.
This new adaptation has a lot to live up to, especially with an entire generation of fans who grew up with the original movies. But getting another interpretation of Hogwarts, its characters, and the magical world could be a lot of fun.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone premieres on HBO Max on December 25, 2026.