The initial trailer for HBO’s new Harry Potter series has been released, giving fans a first look at familiar characters. However, one character in particular is causing concern. Because the Harry Potter films were so incredibly popular, it was always going to be a challenge to successfully adapt the story again, even as a TV series.
With eight existing Harry Potter films, the new HBO series has a lot to live up to. To prove it’s worth watching, the show needs to be distinct from what we’ve already seen, but that will likely create some challenges. One potential issue is already apparent: while the cast is strong overall, one character in particular gives me cause for concern.
The First Trailer For HBO’s Harry Potter Series Is Mostly Great
Warner Bros. Discovery timed the release of the first trailer for the new HBO Harry Potter series with the launch of HBO Max in the UK and Ireland. The trailer also revealed the show will premiere at Christmas 2026, earlier than the previously expected release in early 2027.
The recent reveal was thrilling, but the actual footage was even better. Hogwarts still looks stunning and magical, the students’ Quidditch uniforms are a nice upgrade from the films, and the characters we briefly saw in the trailer appear and sound fantastic. However, there were a few minor issues – one of the actors didn’t quite match my expectations.
Hagrid Feels Off In The HBO Harry Potter Series Trailer
The character is Hagrid, originally played by the late Robbie Coltrane in the Harry Potter films and now portrayed by the talented Nick Frost. From a distance, he looks just like the Hagrid we remember from the movies. But when we see his face and hear him speak, Frost brings a new take on the beloved character.
So far, the Hagrid in HBO’s Harry Potter series feels gentler than the one in the movies. Both versions are warm and friendly, but the movie Hagrid could be intimidating when the story called for it. The TV series version is consistently cheerful, making it difficult to imagine him as truly fearsome.
Honestly, one of the biggest things that threw me was Hagrid’s voice. Coltrane had this wonderfully gravelly, lived-in sound, and Frost’s just feels…too polished. I get that they’re aiming for a fresh take on the story, but if you’re going to lean so heavily into the movie Hagrid’s vibe, changing the voice this much feels like a really strange choice. It just doesn’t quite land for me.
This is just our first look at Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid in the new HBO Harry Potter series. Since Hagrid is expected to be a major character in the first season, we’ll have plenty of time to get used to the actor’s portrayal. I’m confident in the actor’s ability, and the chemistry between him and Dominic McLaughlin, who plays Harry, already seems promising, so the series should handle the character well.
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2026-03-26 18:40