With the "Back to Hogwarts" event in full swing in London, England, a new look at some props from HBO's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone—which premieres this Christmas—has been revealed.
The biggest talking point so far has been the titular Boy Wizard's wand, and the design is completely different from the one featured in the Harry Potter movies. The twig-like handle seen on the big screen has been replaced with a far more intricate design, though which is more "accurate" is really open to interpretation.
Wizarding World books and Chocolate Frogs were also spotted. Despite any inevitable similarities between this series and the previous adaptation, it's clear HBO's take on Harry Potter has its own unique aesthetic.
While Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone will be a "period" tale (set in 1991, just like in J.K. Rowling's novels), this approach to the property looks a little less medieval and weathered. That's not necessarily a bad thing, and it all still looks very loyal to the books.
Despite reports that a new trailer for the series would be released today, all we ended up with is a trailer teaser. It's brief, but still takes us inside the Great Hall and teases the moments leading up to Harry's first Quidditch match.
"Back to Hogwarts" attendees were greeted by a video message from Harry Potter's three young leads, Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter), Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley), and Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger).
While not confirmed, the prevailing opinion is that the video was recorded on the set of Season 2, a.k.a. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The trio look older than in the trailers for The Philosopher's Stone, and at the very least, that's a first look inside the Gryffindor Common Room.
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.
Rounding out the supporting cast are Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Gracie Cochrane as Ginny Weasley, Leigh Gill as Griphook, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander.
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 this Christmas.