The new “behind the scenes” episode from HBO gives us reasons to be cautiously optimistic about the new Harry Potter series, months before its premiere.
The trailer for the series, which was released a few days ago, left a bittersweet taste for millions of fans. Although some elements of the two-minute clip were spectacular, several differences compared to the Harry Potter movies left the most loyal fans with a bad feeling.
And at that moment it became clear that there would be pros and cons to the Harry Potter remake, although a conclusion about the balance between the two had not yet been reached.
A magical world ready to be explored, its great advantage
Fortunately, HBO didn’t make us wait long before giving us another look at its new television series. Less than two weeks after the trailer premiere, an episode behind the scenes titled Finding Harry: The Craft Behind the Magic has premiered on HBO Max.
This half-hour documentary delves into the steps taken to bring the Harry Potter series to life, including casting, set construction, costume design, special effects, and much more. While we won’t know if this remake series will exceed our expectations until it premieres on Christmas Day 2026, this first episode is certainly encouraging.
Finding Harry: The Craft Behind the Magic did not show us more images of Harry Potter, but it offered us an artistic look at the immersive sets of the magical world.
And there are many similarities here with the Harry Potter movies. Many of the familiar places within Hogwarts Castle, the Hogwarts Express, number 4 Privet Drive, and more look almost the same as in the original movies.
However, there is simply more. These are huge sets that go far beyond the superficial illusions we are used to. It’s as if HBO has truly placed its cast within the real magical world of Harry Potter.
Of course, it takes more than great sets to bring a fantasy world to life. HBO’s special on Harry Potter offers an in-depth look at the costumes that will be worn throughout the series. The muggle clothing is inspired, as it should be, by the 90s, while the wizard clothing is authentically made with natural materials. They are eclectic and whimsical, as wonderfully strange as magical attire should be.
Finally, and perhaps the most striking, is the wonderful technology used in the Harry Potter television series to bring magical creatures to life. Throughout the Harry Potter saga, we have seen almost every way the industry can bring animals and mythical beasts to the screen.
The HBO series will surely use its fair share of CGI, but Finding Harry allowed us to take a look at the advanced animatronics being used. Even without more cinematic magic, these creatures look real. Their movements and interactivity are perfect, and the fact that they are built using practical means only makes them more magical.
Warner Bros. bets it all on red with this new series
The behind-the-scenes episode from HBO leaves little doubt that this version of the Harry Potter universe will have a spectacular look, and it does so not only by showing us the sets but also by introducing us to the creatives behind the entire project. These are people with a genuine passion for Harry Potter. In Finding Harry, we see that they are not only eager to create something incredible but also to do justice to the franchise as a whole. They are true fans of Harry Potter with an innate understanding of what other fans are looking for.
Throughout the documentary, we meet various creatives linked to the Harry Potter franchise who either worked on the films themselves or are relatives of those who did.
The props master of the show, Jamie Wilkinson, is the son of Barry Wilkinson, the props master of the eight Harry Potter films. The hat designer Sophie Lambe continues her family’s legacy within the Harry Potter franchise. Will Stickley, the construction manager of the Harry Potter television series, met his wife during the filming of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and now works alongside his son on the new series.
There is no denying that there is an extensive list of drawbacks associated with the Harry Potter television series. The HBO trailer gave us some things to look forward to, but it also reinforced some of the biggest complaints from the audience regarding the casting and the styling.
The color grading seems to be a significant issue, as the trailer lacked the vitality of the original Harry Potter films. It will also pose a similar challenge to the “uncanny valley” of seeing new actors in the roles we associate with the original cast. This is just the beginning, as the Harry Potter franchise remains embroiled in broader controversies.
Despite all this, Finding Harry: The Craft Behind the Magic heralds success. Surely there will be many people who cannot overlook the cons of the Harry Potter television series, but there are more than enough pros to ensure that audiences of all ages will be delighted with this upcoming project.
