Harry Potter fans notice sad change following release of new series
Potterheads have taken to social media in mourning after noticing a move by the new series signifying 'a new era of Hogwarts' has truly begun.
The first full trailer for HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series was released earlier this week, sharing even more of a glimpse into the three new young leads, Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stour, and Arabella Stanton as the new Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
It also revealed a further look at Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
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However, so distracted have some fans been by the release of cast announcements and new trailers, some have only just realised another move by HBO in the run up to the highly anticipated first season which is set to hit our screens this Christmas.
Harry Potter is on Instagram and it's no longer Daniel Radcliffe's face smiling back at us in the thumb image, but the new era Potter - feel old yet?
Indeed, the realisation has prompted some slightly forlorn comments from OG fans.
One X user wrote: "They’re really out here erasing history i can’t believe this. no hate on the kid tho."
A second added: "Wtf."
Although, another user argued: "History is the story in the books not the actors who played it. Changing history is if Voldemort becomes the hero."
"Their promoting the new show dummy and you can’t erase something that you can still easily access and watch you act like they are gonna wipe the films from your memory and burn every copy," a fourth said.
A fifth resolved: "Can you guys stop being dramatic for heaven's sake? Nobody is going to erase the history, the movies are still there and always will be."
Before everyone frets too much...
Radcliffe hasn't simply been erased from the whole Instagram either, it only taking a few scrolls before you reach the OG Potter's beaming face.
And while fans will have to get used to seeing a new Potter on screen, they can be comforted by the fact the first season of the HBO show will retell Harry's introduction to the Wizarding World.
This Christmas, in a total of eight episodes, we'll be thrust back into the life of the Dursleys and the moment Harry receives his first mysterious Hogwarts letter which will change his life forever.
Harry Potter film vs series cast members
As fans gear up for the highly anticipated Harry Potter series, let's take a look at how the cast members from the films differ from the confirmed new cast set to grace our screens...
Harry Potter
Daniel Radcliffe became a household name when he portrayed the Boy Who Lived between 2001- 2011, and now, it's time for young actor Dominic McLaughlin to step into his shoes.
Ron Weasley
Rupert Grint was the perfect Ron Weasley during the decade the films aired, but from a first look, it seems Alastair Stout will have no trouble embodying the character for the new series.
Hermione Granger
Emma Watson rose to fame through her role as Hermione in the films - no doubt thanks to her iconic line 'It's leviosaaaaa, not leviosaahhh'. Arabella Stanton will be playing Hermione in the series, and fans can't wait to see how she takes on the role of the bookish witch.
Hagrid
The late Robbie Coltrane captured hearts of the nation in his role as lovable groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid, and stepping into those shoes for the series is funnyman Nick Frost, who fans have no doubt will fall into the character with ease.
Albus Dumbledore
For the first two films, Richard Harris portrayed the wise wizard until his death in 2002. The character was then taken over by Michael Gambon for the remaining six films, who sadly died in 2023.
Now, legendary actor John Lithgow will be playing Dumbledore in the series, much to fans' delight.
Professor Snape
Alan Rickman did a stunning job in his portrayal as Slytherin's leader, Severus Snape. And while he will never be forgotten for his role following his death in 2016, British actor Paapa Essiedu is set to step in for the series and will no doubt match the expectations that Rickman naturally set.
Professor McGonagall
The late Dame Maggie Smith set the bar high for Minerva McGonagall, portraying the head of Gryffindor House during all eight films. Ozark star Janet McTeer will be portraying McGonagall in the new series, with fans being keen to see how she'll take it on.
Neville Longbottom
Matthew Lewis' role as Neville gave us some pretty iconic moments over the decade the films ran - who could forget 'Oh my god, I've killed Harry Potter'!
Young actor Rory Wilmot, who recently appeared in Netflix's Unchosen, will be playing Neville in the series, and we have no doubt there'll be even more iconic moments to come.
Draco Malfoy
Though many fans can't imagine anyone but Tom Felton as the icy-haired bully that is Draco Malfoy, Lord of the Flies actor Lox Pratt will be stepping into the role - and I already have high hopes.
Lucius Malfoy
Jason Isaacs gave stellar performances as Draco's wicked father throughout the films - and now, it's time for Emma star Johnny Flynn to give the role a whirl.
My father will hear about this!
The Dursleys
Harry's neglectful adoptive parents, Petunia and Vernon Dursley, were played by Richard Griffiths and Fiona Shaw in the films, with his spoilt cousin Dudley being played by Harry Melling.
In the series, Daniel Rigby and Bel Powley will portray the parents, while newcomer Amos Kitson will play Dudley.
36? But last year, last year I had 37!!
Gilderoy Lockhart
Kenneth Branagh famously portrayed the fraudulent wizard in The Chamber of Secrets in 2002, and after it was announced that Nicholas Hoult would be playing him in the series, it was revealed shortly after that, after dropping out due to scheduling conflicts, Game of Thrones star Kit Harington will be taking on the role.
Molly Weasley
After an unforgettable stint as the Weasley mum from Dame Julie Walters, The IT Crowd star Katherine Parkinson is set to play Molly Weasley in the new series.
Argus Filch
The grumpy Hogwarts caretaker was played by veteran actor David Bradley in all eight of the films, and the character is set to be reprised by Welsh comedian Paul Whitehouse.
Harry Potter is currently scheduled for release on Christmas Day, 25 December, 2026.
Topics: Entertainment, Harry Potter, Social Media, TV And Film, Twitter, HBO
Poppy Bilderbeck