Patrick Feeney March 27th, 2026 - 10:24 PM
Harry Potter is putting up massive numbers: the recently released trailer has amassed over 277 million views in only 48 hours, a record for HBO. The series is set to premiere Christmas 2026.
A logline for the series is as follows: “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 series has not been without controversy. Many actors have faced backlash over J.K. Rowling’s (Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets) stance on trans rights. According to Variety, John Lithgow (How I Met Your Mother, The World According To Garp) almost quit the series due to reactions to his casting. Lithgow’s non-binary former costar, Aud Mason Hyde (52 Tuesdays, Jimpa), publicly stated that his decision to star in the series felt “vaguely hurtful” before saying it “can’t take away from what we had and the time that we spent together and the beautiful work that he does in this movie and actually how incredibly authentically he played the role”, via mxdwn.
Professor Snape actor Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You, Black Mirror) publicly opposed Rowling’s views, signing a petition to protect trans rights in the U.K. entertainment industry. Essiedu has faced a significant degree of racism over his casting in the series, even going as far as threats to his well-being. Essiedu stated, “I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you,’” via mxdwn.
Some reactions to the trailer on social media have continued to use similar rhetoric.
“Professor Snape, the Potions master, was a thin, greasy-haired man with a pale, sneering face.” – JKK Rowling https://t.co/LHSFjNPSF2 pic.twitter.com/PwODqAKxdh
— Severus Chud (@SeverusChud) March 25, 2026
Many posts on social media delved further into racial stereotypes.
— Peak film moments (@movie_tvshows_) March 26, 2026
Did you know 13% of wizards cast 60% of all dangerous spells? pic.twitter.com/tt7l4tj9v0
— Severus Chud (@SeverusChud) March 27, 2026
the contrast is insane pic.twitter.com/wbHHf4odOo
— Axel in Dune Mode🦇 (@AxelTalksFilm) March 25, 2026
