Author JK Rowling has given the new ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ teaser trailer her stamp of approval. A day after the trailer of the upcoming web series made waves online, Rowling took to her handle to reply to a fan’s question about the series and to lend her support to the new batch of actors. Rowling, who created the wizarding world that inspired the film franchise and extended Broadway productions, shared her excitement saying, “It’s going to be incredible. I’m so happy with it.”
JK Rowling praises ‘Harry Potter’ series
‘Harry Potter’ series trolled by fans
Her endorsement for the series comes amid much social media backlash over the casting of actor Paapa Essiedu as Professor Snape. Following the trailer launch fans trolled HBO and the actor, not just for his appearance donning a zipper as part of his wizard wardrobe, but also for deviating from the book’s description of a ‘pale’ man for one of African heritage.
‘Harry Potter’ cast and release date
The eight-episode first season is set to debut on Christmas 2026 and features an all-new cast featuring Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. John Lithgow plays Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer portrays Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu takes on the role of Severus Snape, and Nick Frost plays Rubeus Hagrid.The young ensemble also includes Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Elijah Oshin as Dean Thomas, Tristan Harland as Fred Weasley, Gabriel Harland as George Weasley, Ruari Spooner as Percy Weasley, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil.Among the additional cast, Daniel Rigby plays Vernon Dursley, Bel Powley portrays Petunia Dursley, Paul Whitehouse appears as Argus Filch, Johnny Flynn plays Lucius Malfoy, Bertie Carvel takes on Cornelius Fudge, Luke Thallon plays Quirinus Quirrell, and Katherine Parkinson portrays Molly Weasley.The role of the main villain, Lord Voldemort, has not yet been cast.
About the ‘Harry Potter’ film series
The original film series comprised eight films released between 2001 and 2011, beginning with ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, starring Daniel Radcliff as Harry Potter, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley.
