Seven questions the new Harry Potter trailer leaves unanswered
By Laura Harding, Deputy Entertainment Editor
The first trailer for the highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series gives muggle fans a glimpse at the new Hogwarts, as well as the beloved characters that populate the books.
But the footage also leaves a string of unanswered questions.
– Where is the magic?
While we see Harry being presented with his wand, there is a lack of spells and magical creatures in the first footage, so we will have to wait to see how the crucial magical elements of the books are depicted.
– Which different stories will be developed as the franchise expands?
Each of the books was turned into a film, and Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, the seventh and final novel in the series, was adapted into two feature-length parts, but having a whole series of television for each book will give much more space and time for character development.
There will also be more time to explore some of the plots that did not get much scope on the big screen.
– How different will the series be from the films?
The trailer already offers hints at some elements we have not seen on screen before, such as Harry in his muggle school and Harry on the Tube with Hagrid, played by Nick Frost.
The show also depicts Harry’s aunt Petunia, played by Bel Powley, as a blonde, in a book-faithful detail.
But there are still many elements that remain a mystery so viewers will have to wait to see how they unfold.
– What will the child stars be like as actors?
The trio of child actors that play the three key roles – Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione and Alastair Stout as Ron – are all relative newcomers.
They were chosen after more than 30,000 children auditioned following an open casting call but the trailer does not show much of their acting chops, so only time will tell.
– Who will play Voldemort?
In the films, the role of Harry’s arch enemy and main antagonist Voldemort was played by Ralph Fiennes.
But it remains a mystery who will play “He who must not be named” in the TV series.
Earlier this week, Casey Bloys, the head of HBO, confirmed to trade publication Variety that they had not yet cast an actor for the role.
Names that have been floated include Tilda Swinton and Cillian Murphy but these have been dismissed.
– Will any more of the original cast make cameos?
It has already been announced that Warwick Davis will reprise his role as Professor Filius Flitwick, the Hogwarts charms professor, on the small screen, after taking on the role in all eight of the original films.
But it still remains to be seen if Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who played Harry, Hermione and Ron, will pop up in the new version.
– How will the backlash against JK Rowling impact on the show?
Author JK Rowling is an executive producer on the series and her views have become an increasingly controversial in the years since the books were published and the films were released.
Rowling has been accused of being transphobic for her views on gender identity and her criticism of certain transgender rights activism.
She denies this and has said she respects “every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them”.
However, some cast members have spoken about facing criticism for taking part in the show because of Rowling’s involvement.
John Lithgow, who plays Dumbledore, recently told the New York Times that he almost pulled out of playing the Hogwarts headmaster over the backlash.
Meanwhile, Frost told Deadline he does not agree “in any way” with Rowling’s views on the matter.
“She’s allowed her opinion and I’m allowed mine, they just don’t align in any way, shape or form.”
Harry Potter will air on HBO Max this Christmas.
