Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone premieres on HBO this Christmas, and some rumoured new details about what to expect from the first two episodes have been revealed.
These come our way from the @wizardingbruno fan account, and while best taken with a pinch of salt, there's nothing here that's too unbelievable. In fact, at least some of these insights largely align with previous rumours, lending some additional weight to the claims.
Firstly, it's said that the production (work on Season 2/Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) is progressing without being affected by the Paramount/Warner Bros. Discovery merger. As for the episodes themselves, the first instalment is expected to run for no more than 70 minutes, while the entire first season will clock in at approximately eight hours.
That obviously gives the story more room to breathe than the 2001 movie adaptation could manage, with the series reportedly planning to cover every major event from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone while also incorporating entirely new scenes.
That was evident from the clip released last night; in the book, it was mentioned that Harry noticed Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall talking, but now reveals exactly what they said to each other.
The premiere will reportedly spend much of its time exploring Harry's miserable existence with the Dursleys and his experiences at Muggle school. Hogwarts won't make an appearance until the episode's closing moments, while Severus Snape is only present for around 30 seconds across the first two episodes. Meanwhile, the sets are said to look noticeably different from those in the films.
On the musical front, Hans Zimmer's score will reportedly incorporate "Hedwig's Theme," the instantly recognisable piece originally composed by John Williams for the movie franchise. HBO also appears to have considerable confidence in the wider Wizarding World beyond Harry's story, with at least two spinoffs supposedly in the planning stages.
What those will be remains to be seen, though HBO will likely want to make sure Harry Potter is firmly established before attempting to expand the franchise (the Fantastic Beasts sequels weren't exactly beloved).
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.
The main cast of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, and Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy.
The series, based on J.K. Rowling’s beloved books, is written and executive-produced by Francesca Gardiner. Mark Mylod will executive-produce and direct multiple episodes of the series for HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. The series is executive-produced by J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone premieres on HBO Max on December 25.