The magical world of Harry Potter, soon returning in the form of a brand-new HBO Original Series, has an official streaming date for Indian fans. "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone" will premiere in India on JioHotstar on 26 December 2026.
The series will globally debut on HBO Max a day earlier, on 25 December, giving fans a special Christmas treat. The news was confirmed by JioHotstar on October 30, 2026.
The first season will feature eight episodes, all released together. The series is planned as a decade-long project, with each season adapting one of J.K. Rowling’s seven original books. HBO has already confirmed a second season, based on "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets".
The new series introduces a fresh cast to play the much-loved characters. Dominic McLaughlin will take on the role of Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton will play Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout will appear as Ron Weasley. They will be joined by well-known actors John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
Among the young cast members, Arabella Stanton stands out for her theatre experience. She was selected from nearly 30,000 applicants and is known for playing Matilda Wormwood in the West End production of "Matilda the Musical." She has also appeared in "Starlight Express." Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout got selected after a large casting search across the UK and Ireland.
The series will also introduce Charlie Weasley, played by Harry Gilby. The character, who works with dragons, did not appear in the original films. Jasper Talbot and Hannah Chinn will play young James and Lily Potter.
The second season will bring more familiar faces into the magical world. Kit Harington ("Game of Thrones") is taking on the role of Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, while Lenny Rush will voice Dobby. Rafe Spall and Katherine Parkinson will play Arthur and Molly Weasley, respectively, with Johnny Flynn taking on the role of Lucius Malfoy.
The series will be led by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod, with music composed by Hans Zimmer.
