HBO Max announces premiere date and cast for new Harry Potter series

HBO Max has officially announced that the highly anticipated television adaptation of the Harry Potter universe will premiere on December 25, 2026. The first season, titled "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone," will consist of eight episodes based on the first book by J.K. Rowling.

In addition to the release date, the network unveiled the first official promotional poster featuring the new lead actor, Dominic McLaughlin, as Harry Potter. The poster displays the Hogwarts castle reflected in the character's eye and carries the iconic tagline "The Boy Who Lived." The main cast also includes 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, and Nick Frost as Hagrid.

The project marks a major milestone for the platform, aiming to introduce the wizarding world to a new generation through an episodic format. No further production details were disclosed beyond the confirmed release date and the primary cast list, leaving fans to await the holiday launch for the full series debut.