Why Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone had to be renamed in US as new trailer released

The new Harry Potter trailer was released yesterday and it's put an end to an age-old debate between Brits and Americans.

Despite our enduring special relationship, we love to argue with our close friends across the pond, whether it's about beans on toast or how to spell and pronounce words properly.

Another frankly annoying American habit is calling things the wrong name, with millions counting down to the 'soccer' world cup this summer only to be left disappointed by their half-time order of chips.

One of the prime modern examples of Americans insisting on a different name for something is when it comes to the magical world of Harry Potter, and the debate about whether or not it's the 'philosopher's stone or the sorcerer's stone'.

After the trailer for the new HBO series was released yesterday, with a Christmas Day release date confirmed, many Americans were no doubt left disappointed when it was also made clear that we're getting a unanimous title this time.

You can watch the trailer below:

For those of you who weren't aware, over in the States, it's always been known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. You may be wondering exactly why that is and it turns out it was because publishers were genuinely concerned that young yanks would neither know or care what a philosopher is, since they don't seem to do much thinking over there.

All jokes aside, it was Arthur A. Levine - who previously headed Scholastic, which bought the US publishing rights for Harry Potter - who suggested a change to J.K. Rowling, and he actually wanted to go with an even simpler title.

He proposed 'Harry Potter and the School of Magic', which certainly doesn't have the same ring to it and Rowling agreed.

The golden trio have some big robes to fill (HBO)

Writer Philip W. Errington wrote about this exchange in his Rowling bibliography, stating: "Levine noted that he needed a title that said 'magic' more overtly to American readers.

"He [Levine] continued, 'I certainly did not mind Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone but I can see... why a book that is titled Philosopher’s Stone might seem more arcane or something.

"So the title that I had suggested to me and which I then turned to Jo was Harry Potter and the School of Magic.

"Jo very thoughtfully said, 'No, that doesn’t feel right to me'.

"She went on to say that 'there are objects' she would like before suggesting the Sorcerer’s Stone." Clearly, that's the one that stuck, but given the incredible success of the books and films, it seems like everyone will be tuning in no matter what they'd called the upcoming TV series.

Rowling later said: "They changed the first title, but with my consent. To be honest, I wish I hadn't agreed now, but it was my first book, and I was so grateful that anyone was publishing me I wanted to keep them happy."

Here's hoping that it's a success, and the trailer makes it clear that there's going to be plenty of deviations from the original series.

A look at the new Harry Potter cast in action

Harry Potter (Dominic McLaughlin)

(HBO)

Professor McGonagall (Janet McTeer)

(HBO)

Dumbledore (John Lithgow)

(HBO)

Draco Malfoy (Lox Pratt)

(HBO)

Hermione Granger (Arabella Stanton)

(HBO)

Ron Weasley (Alastair Stout)

(HBO)

Professor Snape (Paapa Essiedu)

(HBO)

Hagrid (Nick Frost)

(HBO)

Aunt Petunia (Bel Powley)

(HBO)