The first trailer for the Harry Potter series broke an HBO record

Warner Bros. Discovery announced that the trailer for the first season of the series Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone drew 277 million organic views across all platforms in its first 48 hours. This is the best result in the history of HBO and HBO Max, with the new record more than doubling the previous one.

At the same time, record-breaking viewership does not necessarily mean the series was met with universal enthusiasm. On YouTube, the trailer has 160 thousand dislikes against 231 thousand likes, and there is plenty of criticism in the comments and on social media. Viewers accuse the series of being derivative and lacking fresh ideas, saying it looks more like a reshoot of Chris Columbus’s first film than a standalone adaptation. Another wave of backlash is tied to the casting, especially the choice of Paapa Essiedu for the role of Severus Snape. The actor was even threatened on social media.

The Harry Potter series is set to premiere on December 25. Its first season is based on Joanne Rowling’s novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The trailer features Harry, Ron, Hagrid, Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, and other characters from the iconic franchise.

Rowling serves as an executive producer on the HBO series. She is not directly involved in writing the script, but she advises the writers and takes part in “casting decisions.” The series is directed by Mark Mylod. Production is handled by HBO Entertainment, Brontë Film and TV, Warner Bros. Television, and Heyday Films.

According to rumors, the role of Voldemort may go to Paul Bettany.

Will the series be able to surpass the films?