The new Harry Potter series trailer has given fans a closer look at how the upcoming adaptation will bring J.K. Rowling’s books to the screen. When the series was first announced, it was described as an adaptation that would stay faithful to the books while adding a “degree of depth and detail” that had not been seen before. The latest footage offers several examples of that approach, including scenes that were not shown in the original movies and moments that are being presented in greater detail.
One of the most noticeable new scenes features Hermione Granger on the Hogwarts Express before she meets Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. Hermione is already dressed in her Hogwarts robes and appears nervous as she walks through the train. She approaches Lavender Brown and Hannah Abbott and asks them, “Did you love the summer reading?” The scene gives viewers a look at Hermione before she becomes more comfortable around her new classmates.
The trailer also takes viewers inside The Burrow, the Weasley family home, much earlier than it appears in the books. Ron receives his first Hogwarts letter, but Fred and George quickly turn the moment into chaos when ketchup from their sandwiches splatters across the letter. Another small detail shows Percy Weasley receiving his prefect badge while Mrs Weasley proudly watches him.
The Sorting Ceremony also receives plenty of attention. Professor McGonagall is seen leading the first year students into the Great Hall, while Lavender Brown tells her classmates, “no pressure”. The Sorting Hat itself appears close to the description in Philosopher’s Stone: “A rip near the brim opened wide like a mouth.”
Fans have also noticed a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher sitting at the teachers’ table during Harry’s Sorting Ceremony. The identity of the character adds another interesting detail for book readers to watch closely.
The series is written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, while Mark Mylod will executive produce and direct multiple episodes. The production is being made by HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television.
J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley Letts and David Heyman are among the executive producers. The series is based on Rowling’s original books and is expected to explore the story with considerably more room for characters, scenes and details from the source material.
