'Harry Potter' Movie Trailer Debuts

The books have enchanted millions of young readers, and now, fans of "Harry Potter" are finally getting the highly anticipated first look at the big screen version of the character.

Warner Bros. Pictures released Thursday the debut movie trailer of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," which offers the first glimpse into the magical world of Potter at the Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The film opens in theaters Nov. 16.

The footage is the latest example of how the release of a movie trailer can become an event in itself long before a film hits theaters -- a trend that began in 1999 with advanced footage of "Star Wars: Episode One -- The Phantom Menace." Not only did people turn out in droves to see the first "Star Wars" teaser trailer; many left the theater before the film it was playing with started.

The "Harry Potter" trailer will run along with Warner Bros. new Friday release, "See Spot Run."

Based on the first of best-selling book series by J.K. Rowling, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" stars 11-year-old Daniel Radcliffe in the title role. Playing Harry's best friends at Hogwart's are 10-year-old Emma Watson (Hermione) and 11-year-old Rupert Grint (Ron).

Adult cast members include 'Monty Python' troupe veteran John Cleese, who plays Sir Nicholas De Mimsy-Porpington, Maggie Smith (Professor/Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall), Alan Rickman (Professor Severus Snape) and Richard Harris (Headmaster Albus Dumbledore).

Steven Spielberg prot?g? Chris Columbus is directing the film, from a screenplay written by Steve Kloves, a current Oscar nominee for "Wonder Boys." The film is currently in production in England.

Starting with "The Sorcerer's Stone" in 1998, the books follow the adventures of Harry, a boy who learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards. Discovering he has magical powers of his own, he is summoned to Hogwart's School for wizards, where he teams with new friends to find out the truth about his parents -- who died at the hands of a powerful adversary.

The latest book, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," was released in July of 2000 amid a flurry of interest ? and controversy. Protesters have condemned the book series for its flirtation with the occult, and the series has been banned in some schools as a result.

Perhaps the biggest attention the film has drawn thus far has come with the casting of Harry himself, a part sought by thousands of youths across the world. A director experienced in working with children (namely "Home Alone"), Columbus found his perfect Harry in Radcliffe, a UK native who made his acting debut on BBC TV's production of "David Copperfield" in 1999.

"We saw so many enormously talented kids in the search for Harry," said Columbus in an interview for the "Harry Potter" movie Web site. "The process was intense and there were times when we felt we would never find an individual who embodied the complex spirit and depth of Harry Potter. Then, Dan walked into the room and we all knew we had found Harry.

"We were equally elated upon meeting Emma and Rupert who are perfect for the roles of Hermione and Ron. I couldn?t be happier to begin work with such talented, inspiring young actors."

Of course, the biggest person that needed convincing was Rowling, who's currently at work on the fifth book of the series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix."

"Having seen Dan Radcliffe's screen test, I don?t think Chris Columbus could have found a better Harry," Rowling said on the Potter Web site. "I wish Dan, Emma and Rupert the very best of luck and hope that they have as much fun acting the first year at Hogwart's as I had writing it."