RETURN TO HOGWARTS: First look at new Harry Potter reboot after filming was plunged into chaos
HARRY Potter fever has taken over the internet as the first picture from the hotly-anticipated TV series has been released — and the trailer is expected to drop tomorrow.
The official Potter Instagram page has been ramping up the teases in recent days including a video showing superfan reactions to the new sets.
But now Harry, played by Dominic McLaughlin, can be seen in his Gryffindor quidditch robes on the way to a match, broomstick in hand.
Striding to the stadium, Harry’s burgundy cape, emblazoned with his name and the number seven, billows in the breeze.
In front of him is a crowd of excited schoolkids, while a banner with Fred and George (the mischievous Weasley brothers) written on it hangs from the stadium’s timber beams, as do the updated house emblems of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff.
The single image was captioned: “Tomorrow [lightning bolt emoji],” — a nod to the famous scar on Harry’s forehead.
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One fan commented: “I just got chills….. go ahead and give the costume and wardrobe department a raise.”
Another said: “Too excited!!!!”
A third wrote: “I have officially passed out. Someone help me up.”
A fourth declared: “We are so ready.”
The HBO production has brought in a stellar cast to bring the franchise to life on the small screen.
But such is the cultural impact of the original film adaptations, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, that some of the reaction to the new faces has taken a nasty tone.
The Capture star Paapa Essiedu, 35, has had death threats after winning the role of potions master Severus Snape, previously played by the late Alan Rickman.
The vile backlash stems from author J.K. Rowling’s description of the character as pale with sallow skin and greasy black hair, and draws comparisons to Dracula.
“I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you,’” Paapa told The Times.
“The reality is that if I look at Instagram I will see somebody saying, ‘I’m going to come to your house and kill you’.
“Many people put their lives on the line in their work. I’m playing a wizard in Harry Potter. And I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me emotionally.”
He added that he hasn’t reported them to the police as he doesn’t believe it would make him feel better to see a teenager punished.
Meanwhile show bosses were fuming last week when images of the top secret sets were leaked online by streaming rivals Apple.
Apple Maps went public with aerial images from the Warner Bros Studio in Neasden, showing some of the iconic locations from the Harry Potter universe.
Potterheads will recognise Gringotts Wizarding Bank and its imposing columns. Located in Diagon Alley, the cobbled shopping district in the book and films, that too has been recreated in all its glory for the eagerly anticipated series, out next year.
Overhead shots also show Hagrid’s Hut – home to the half-man half-giant groundskeeper of Hogwarts.
Played by Robbie Coltrane in the films, Hot Fuzz star Nick Frost takes on the role in the series.
Privet Close — the suburban street where orphaned Harry was sent to live with his aunt and uncle — has also been brought to life on the set.
The series promises to be a “faithful adaptation” of JK Rowling’s bestselling novels about the young wizard – enlisting a trio of child actors.
McLaughlin plays Harry, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Staunton as Hermione Granger.
First announced in December 2024, bosses have been desperate to keep details of the series under wraps.
They’d gone to great lengths to keep it a secret, even ordering staff to use codewords while on location.
Staff lanyards were originally branded with “Dark Train” with no reference to the wizard production.
The code was then switched to “Brown Cat” by paranoid management.
Phone messages sent to cast and crew could only be opened once before disappearing from screens. On set, mobile phones are banned.
Last year The Sun revealed how the Hogwarts Express had magically steamed into the grounds, with a replica of Hogsmeade Station also there as part of a £4million set that includes half a mile of track through woodland.
