Harry Potter TV Series Shakes Social Media: Hermione More Like the Original than Emma Watson, a “Character Change” Sparks Outrage

HBO has just released the first teaser for the Harry Potter TV series, set to premiere in Christmas 2026. This is a television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s iconic book series, following the massive global success of the previous film franchise.

The teaser starts with the familiar scene of Harry living in the cupboard under the stairs at the Dursleys’ house. Details of his childhood are depicted more clearly, including being bullied by Dudley and forced to cut his hair by Aunt Petunia. Compared to the films, the Dursley family in this version is portrayed as more serious and darker, rather than the satirical tone from before.

Additionally, the teaser shows scenes from the books that were not previously shown in the movies. A key example is the moment when Dudley bullies Harry at school, leading to Harry unexpectedly appearing on the rooftop—something familiar to readers but omitted in the films.

Harry’s journey into the wizarding world is depicted with familiar images: meeting Hagrid, receiving his acceptance letter, and running through Platform 9¾ to board the Hogwarts Express. On the train, Harry meets Ron and Hermione for the first time, marking the beginning of their lifelong friendship. Brief shots of Hogwarts, the Sorting Hat, the Quidditch broom, and characters like Dumbledore, Draco Malfoy, and Ollivander are also featured.

The series will follow the structure of adapting each of the seven books over multiple seasons. This approach is expected to help expand and delve deeper into storylines that weren’t fully explored before, such as the Marauders, the Malfoy family dynamics, and Harry’s inner journey.

On another note, the teaser has sparked mixed opinions about the character Severus Snape. Although Snape only appears briefly, his appearance and demeanor have quickly become a hot topic on social media.

Some viewers argue that the new portrayal of Snape doesn’t quite capture his usual cold and mysterious persona. Previously, this image was closely associated with Alan Rickman’s performance in the films, making comparisons inevitable. However, others believe the teaser is only a first introduction and that it’s too early to fully judge how the character will be developed across the series.

Alongside the Snape debates, another character has quickly gained positive attention—Hermione Granger, played by Arabella Stanton. Many fans have commented that she has a bright appearance, a confident aura, and seems more striking than the “bookish, somewhat scruffy” Hermione from the original. On social media, numerous people have pointed out that this version of Hermione “is prettier than the original,” even giving her a more modern and relatable vibe for the audience.

Overall, the first teaser suggests that the project will not simply be a remake of the old content, but aims to reimagine the story with more detail and depth on a serialized TV platform.

According to the latest information, the Harry Potter series is expected to premiere around Christmas 2026 (late December 2026).

Some comments from the public:

• Oh my god, my heart won’t stop pounding…
• Watched the trailer for the first time, read the comments and only then realized Snape was in it.
• Hermione looks so beautiful.
• The boy really looks like Harry! Oh, I’m seriously looking forward to it. But the film’s color tone seems a bit dark… so much so that Snape blends into the night.
• Oh, there are some deeper scenes like how Dudley bullies Harry at Muggle school. It really digs deeper. I’m so excited.
• The trailer was fine until Snape appeared.
• Hermione really does look great, possibly even more beautiful than the original.
• Haizzz, Snape in the book was always described with “thin lips,” and casting that guy… well, what can you do.
• Just Snape alone is hot right now. I can’t wait.
• Wait, did that teacher change from black to white?