Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone has marked history by becoming HBO’s most-watched trailer just two days after its release.
According to Deadline, the trailer, released on March 26, reportedly got 277 million views on HBO’s platforms in its first two days, setting a new record for the platform. The two-minute and nine-second video featured Dominic McLaughlin in the role of Harry, Alastair Stout in the role of Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton in the role of Hermione Granger.
The teaser shows Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon in the first clip, where she tells Harry that there’s nothing special about him. Harry later meets Hagrid on the train, where he opens up about wanting to know more about his parents, and Hagrid tells him:
“Your parents were the bravest, kindest people I’ve ever met … they stood up for what they think is right. … Next time I see you will be in Hogwarts”
It also offers a look at Harry’s life at Hogwarts, as he begins his journey and meets his best friends, Ron and Hermione.
Alongside the three friends, viewers will see Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom.
The trailer, released on HBO Max’s YouTube channel, has gained over seven million views as of writing. Additionally, it has crossed ninety-six million views on Instagram.
What is Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone about?
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the first book in the series. It follows the story of Harry, a young kid who comes to know that he’s a wizard on his eleventh birthday. He joins Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he becomes close friends with Hermione and Ron and finds the details about his parents, which leads him to face his enemy.
The longline reads:
“There is nothing special about Harry Potter — at least that’s what his Aunt Petunia always says. On his 11th birthday, a letter of admittance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry opens up a hidden world for Harry: one of fun, friendship and magic. But with this new adventure comes great risk as Harry is forced to face a dangerous enemy from his past.”
It is executive produced and written by Francesca Gardiner, with Mark Mylod also serving as an executive producer and overseeing the direction of a number of episodes.
When is Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone releasing?
While many speculated that the series is planned for next year, there’s good news, as the Harry Potter series is releasing on Christmas this year, leaving fans with almost nine months of waiting.
The project is said to span ten years in total. Speaking of it, JB Perrette, President & CEO, Discovery Networks International, said in a media conference in 2024:
“As you look at ’26 and into ’27, you begin a 10-year journey on the ‘Harry Potter’ series, which we’re super excited about. And I’d argue, maybe the biggest event by the time we get to that series.”
Production for the series started last year.
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Edited by Vatsala Chauhan