The Harry Potter series being prepared by HBO Max continues to reveal details about its version of Hogwarts. On this occasion, the platform has shared new images of the crests for the school's four houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff, alongside the characteristic hourglasses that track student points.
Interest in these previews is growing as the premiere, scheduled for Christmas 2026, approaches. Each new visual detail fuels fans' expectations, especially because the production is not merely copying what we saw in the films, but rather proposing a more detailed reinterpretation of the school of magic's spaces.
Harry Potter presents the new Hogwarts house crests
The house emblems remain recognizable to any fan of the saga, but HBO has introduced notable changes to their design. The new crests incorporate botanical motifs, more organic shapes, and ornamentation that is considerably more elaborate than what was seen in the original films.
The change is clearly visible in the structure that holds the point-tracking hourglasses. In the new proposal, each house has its own individual hourglass, with colored stones representing the points earned by its students during the term.
The crests are integrated into the lower part of a more complex decorative structure, while the faces of the four founders form part of the ornamental set. According to previous production images, this element will be located above the entrance to the Great Hall, one of the most iconic settings at Hogwarts.
Who are the four founders of Hogwarts
The inclusion of the founders in the new decor serves as a reminder of the witches and wizards who originated the school.
Godric Gryffindor
Godric Gryffindor founded the house associated with courage, bravery, and determination. Its symbol is the lion and its colors are red and gold. Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley belong to this house.
Salazar Slytherin
Salazar Slytherin advocated for Hogwarts to admit only students from magical families, a stance that put him at odds with the other founders. His house is represented by a serpent and is linked to ambition, cunning, and resourcefulness, with green and silver as its distinctive colors. He was also the creator of the Chamber of Secrets.
Rowena Ravenclaw
Rowena Ravenclaw valued knowledge, creativity, and wisdom. Her house has an eagle as its emblem and traditionally welcomes students with marked intellectual curiosity. Ravenclaw's diadem is one of the most relevant objects linked to her legacy.
Helga Hufflepuff
Helga Hufflepuff maintained that all students deserved to learn magic regardless of their background. Her house is represented by a badger and is associated with loyalty, hard work, patience, and fair play. Cedric Diggory and Newt Scamander are among her most well-known students.
A Hogwarts with more history and depth
These visual details reflect the general approach HBO is applying to its adaptation. The stated intention is to bring J.K. Rowling's books to the screen with greater fidelity and depth than the films, dedicating an entire season to each of the seven titles in the saga.
This format will allow for more space to develop characters, settings, and plotlines that were relegated to the background in the films. Incorporating the faces of the founders into the school's architecture seeks to convey that Hogwarts is an institution with centuries of history, long before Harry Potter's arrival.
What the first season will be about
The first installment will adapt Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The story begins with Harry living with his aunt and uncle, growing up under the impression that he is nothing special.
Everything changes when, upon turning eleven, he receives his acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he will discover a new world, make friends, and begin to learn his true identity, all while facing a dangerous enemy linked to his past.
The cast of the new Harry Potter series
HBO has confirmed an extensive cast to bring the saga's characters to life. The leads will be Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
Rounding out the cast are John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Rory Wilmot will play Neville Longbottom and Lox Pratt will play Draco Malfoy.
Also participating are Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley, Bel Powley as Petunia Dursley, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Gracie Cochrane as Ginny Weasley, Leigh Gill as Griphook, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander.
When does the Harry Potter series premiere on HBO Max
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone will arrive on HBO Max during Christmas 2026, with a new adaptation of the book that started the saga.
Francesca Gardiner is writing the script and serving as executive producer, while Mark Mylod is also an executive producer and will direct several episodes. J.K. Rowling is participating as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman. The production is handled by HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television.
As the premiere approaches, these first details of the sets allow us to anticipate the type of Hogwarts the series is building: crests that retain their essence, founders who regain prominence, and hourglasses with a new visual identity.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hogwarts houses appear in the new crests revealed by HBO Max
The images show the crests of the four houses: Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff, along with their respective hourglasses for counting points.
Who plays Harry Potter in the new series
Actor Dominic McLaughlin brings Harry Potter to life in the HBO Max television adaptation.
When does the Harry Potter series premiere on HBO Max
The premiere is scheduled for Christmas 2026, adapting the novel Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
How many seasons will the Harry Potter series have
The project is planned to dedicate a full season to each of J.K. Rowling's seven books.
Is J.K. Rowling involved in the production of the series
Yes, J.K. Rowling is listed as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman.
Where will the new set of crests and hourglasses be located
According to previous production images, this decorative structure will be located above the entrance to the Hogwarts Great Hall.
