Rowling calls 'Harry Potter' teaser 'incredible,' but fans remain divided
What's the story
The first teaser for HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series has sparked mixed reactions among fans. While author J.K. Rowling expressed her approval on social media, many fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the lack of color and stylization in comparison to the original film franchise. The series is set to premiere on Christmas Day 2026.
Author's reaction
Rowling: I'm so happy with it
Rowling took to X to express her excitement over the teaser, stating, "It's going to be incredible. I'm so happy with it." Her tweet was a response to a fan who said the teaser "looks bloody marvelous," adding: "I cannot wait, and as it seems to me, neither can the rest of the world."
Fan backlash
However, fans are not impressed with the teaser
Despite Rowling's enthusiasm, many fans were not impressed with the teaser. One user wrote on X, "Looks really well produced, the sets and costumes are great... but I feel zero magic. It's missing that little spark. Maybe I'm just too nostalgic for the color grading of the 2001 film." Another asked why the new series was so "comically dark and blue."
Controversy
Series also faced backlash over Snape's race-swapping
The teaser also faced criticism for the race-swapping of Severus Snape, now played by actor Paapa Essiedu. Some fans expressed their discontent with this casting choice on X. Others voiced concerns over Rowling's controversial views, particularly her anti-trans stance. One user wrote, "You cannot 'separate the art from the artist' with Harry Potter. JK Rowling has directly funded harmful legislation to the trans community and directly caused harm to trans people."
Series information
Everything to know about upcoming series
The Harry Potter series began filming in the UK last summer. The cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Francesca Gardiner is writing and executive producing the series with Rowling, Neil Blair of Bronte Film and TV, Ruth Kenley-Letts of Bronte Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films.