Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts on Christmas Eve, and the first trailer announcing the debut of the new HBO series, faithfully adapted from J.K. Rowling's novels, is dividing fans of the little wizard : from romantic joy inspired by nostalgia to skepticism and a sense of betrayal felt by those who grew up with the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, public reactions on social media have been mixed.

The two-minute trailer for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone introduces the main characters, including Harry (Dominic McLaughlin), Hermione Granger (Arabella Stanton), Ron Weasley (Alastair Stout), Albus Dumbledore (John Lithgow), Severus Snape (Paapa Essiedu), and Minerva McGonagall (Janet McTeer). Comparisons are inevitable with the stars of the films based on the controversial Scottish author's novels, including the beloved Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, and Maggie Smith (all four of whom have since passed away), and then, playing the children, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. The Harry Potter reboot is a crucial gamble for HBO, and initial fan reactions can be significant. In the days leading up to the trailer, the fandom appeared divided.

While enthusiastic about the idea that HBO could expand on Rowling's books by developing the story in ways that Warner Bros.' films failed to do, skeptics argued that the films continue to represent canon, meaning there was no need for a new version. Then there are fans who continue to harbor resentment toward Rowling for her stance on trans people, while others were still unhappy that Essedieu, a Black actor, played Snape. Filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, UK, the series is led by showrunner Francesca Gardiner, while Succession director Mark Mylod is directing several episodes. An actor to portray Voldemort, a crucial absence in the series' development, is still missing: in place of Ralph Fiennes, the Harry Potter supervillain will simply be a voice in the first installment of the series.

The trailer opens with Harry in the closet under the stairs of his aunt and uncle Dursley's house, bullied by his cousin Dudley and given a painful haircut by his aunt Petunia. Everything changes when his Hogwarts acceptance letter arrives: on the tube, gamekeeper Hagrid (Nick Frost) introduces Harry to the wizarding world and hints at some information about his missing parents. With his luggage piled on the trolley, Harry runs through a pylon on Platform 9 and 6 to board the Hogwarts Express. On the train, orphan Harry sees Ron hug his mother goodbye before boarding. The two sit together on the train with Hermione, and Ron asks, "Are you really Harry Potter?"

(Unioneonline/D)

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