All aboard the Hogwarts Express! Yep, a full 25 years after we first saw Daniel Radcliffe and his cohort in their iconic roles, a new generation of students is picking up the Harry Potter legacy.
HBO has released a trailer for the upcoming TV show, introducing the fresh cast tasked with stepping into these legendary shoes. Much of the footage will feel instantly familiar to longtime fans — a comforting nod to the original — but not everyone is pleased. Critics argue that the emphasis on forced continuity highlights a lack of originality, sparking debate over whether this new series was truly necessary. Additionally, many are unwilling to support J.K. Rowling due to her views on transgender people. Here’s a look at all the criticisms the new Harry Potter series has faced so far.
“Emma has so little experience of real life she's ignorant of how ignorant she is.”
What happens in the new Harry Potter trailer?
The new trailer takes us straight from the Dursleys’ house — including a nostalgic glimpse of Harry in his famous cupboard under the stairs — all the way to Hogwarts.
We get our first look at Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, the latter scolding her nephew with her classic line about there being “nothing special” about him, just as his Hogwarts letter arrives.
Next, Hagrid appears, guiding Harry across London to King’s Cross Station to catch the iconic Hogwarts Express. Onboard, we meet Ron and Hermione and witness the trio’s instant bond during that unforgettable first train journey.
Once they arrive at Hogwarts, the trailer introduces a host of central characters: from Professor Snape to Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, and, of course, Harry’s long-time rival, Draco Malfoy.
Other highlights include students playing Quidditch, Harry receiving his first wand from Ollivander, and the tense, unforgettable moment with the Sorting Hat.
Why are fans divided over the Harry Potter trailer?
Many fans have expressed disappointment with the trailer, arguing that it feels almost like a shot-for-shot remake of the original Harry Potter films. The only scene that feels vaguely new shows Harry at a Muggle school being bullied by a boy presumed to be Dudley — a moment that was depicted differently in the 2001 movie. For a series, viewers hoped for fresh perspectives and deeper dives into the books, rather than a retread of familiar footage.
In terms of costumes, the biggest updates seem limited to the Dursleys. Hagrid’s robes, Dumbledore’s half-moon glasses, and the Hogwarts uniforms otherwise look much as fans remember them.
One genuinely new moment that stood out is Hagrid ferrying Harry across London on the Underground — a whimsical addition not seen in the original films.
Stepping into the shoes of Alan Rickman was always going to be a monumental challenge. The late actor was an iconic part of what made the original films so beloved. Taking up the mantle is 35-year-old Paapa Essiedu, who has unfortunately faced race-fuelled death threats since his casting.
“I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you,’” Essiedu told The Times. “The reality is that if I look at Instagram, I will see somebody saying, ‘I’m going to come to your house and kill you,’” the star added of the online abuse.
“But the abuse fuels me," he continued. "And makes me more passionate about making this character my own, because I think of how I felt as a kid. I would imagine myself at Hogwarts on broomsticks, and the idea that a kid like me can see themselves represented in that world? That’s motivation to not be intimidated by someone saying they’d rather I died instead of doing work I’m going to be really proud of.”
Essiedu has committed to the series for ten years. Shortly after his casting was announced, he was among hundreds of TV and film professionals who signed a letter calling for industry action on trans rights.
For many viewers, a major point of contention with the new series is its continued association with J.K. Rowling. The author of the Harry Potter books has remained outspoken over the years for her controversial views on gender.
Over the past six years, Rowling has repeatedly faced criticism for comments widely regarded as transphobic — prompting public responses from fans, activists, and even stars of the original film adaptations.
Rowling has remained steadfast in her positions, aligning herself with other TERFs (Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists). She has also criticised publications and organisations that support this marginalised group.
As executive producer on the HBO series, Rowling is reportedly involved in ensuring a “faithful adaptation” of her books; a fact that has amplified concern among viewers who hoped for a more inclusive approach.
As production for the new HBO adaption begins, we ask how much longer can the Harry Potter legacy – now inherently tinged with transphobia – survive?
One of the most common complaints about the trailer is the surprising lack of magic. After all, the series is set in the wizarding world and follows Harry as he discovers his abilities, yet the trailer shows almost none of that.
While some fans praised the attention to detail, from the Hogwarts Castle to the costume choices, others were left disappointed by the absence of spells, magical creatures, and the iconic moments of wonder that made the original films so enchanting.
“While this is great and emotional, I'd like to ask — where is the magic in this trailer?” one underwhelmed fan commented on Instagram. “The only tiny hint of magic I noticed was Snape using the Lumos spell. Seriously tho? This series is supposed to introduce the magical world of Harry Potter to a younger generation and this trailer almost had no magic in it at all...”
Another fan added, “I’m trying my best to be open minded and I will watch it but where is the magic? this is not Harry Potter.”
Someone else complained, “No! The magic is not there. The movies and the cast we already had in the past were the magic.” One fan added: “Ngl but this trailer didn't felt ‘magical’, it felt more realistic down to earth stuff. Where's all the magic? Btw can't wait to watch it.”
While the series will likely reveal more magic as it progresses, many fans worry it’s prioritising realism over the sense of wonder and escapism that made the original books and films so beloved.
When is the TV series out?
The first series is set to launch at Christmas 2026 on HBO Max, according to the trailer.
The full production, however, is expected to span a decade. HBO plans to adapt each of Rowling’s seven books into a separate series, essentially giving the beloved story the long-form treatment that the original films didn't have the time to do.
We'll keep you posted on all things related to the new Harry Potter series.
