'A Series of Unfortunate Events' spoilers, release date: Netflix teases Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf

Netflix recently shared a teaser for the upcoming TV adaptation of "A Series of Unfortunate Events," showing the vile and villainous Count Olaf. The Baudelaire children's main antagonist will be portrayed by "How I Met Your Mother" actor Neil Patrick Harris.

Count Olaf needs no introduction to the avid readers of the 13-novel children's series by Lemony Snicket. But for those who haven't read the books nor seen the film adaptation, the clip is a brief overview of how vile Count Olaf is.

"He said specifically he was waiting very eagerly to get his hands on you," Mr. Poe (K. Todd Freeman) can be heard saying at the beginning of the trailer. Mr. Poe, who is in charge of the Baudelaire family fortune, can be seen escorting the Baudelaire orphans to the home of Count Olaf, shortly after their parents and home were devoured by flames.

For the uninitiated, the Baudelaires will attempt to escape the clutches of their murderous relative, who only has eyes on their fortune. As the orphans move from one relative to another, Count Olaf will be plotting the demise of the children and his road to wealth.

Aside from the lead antagonist, viewers were able to catch a glimpse of the Baudelaire children. The eldest of the three, Violet, who is known for being an inventor, will be portrayed by Malina Weissman. Meanwhile the middle child, Klaus, who has an eidetic memory, will be portrayed by Louis Hynes. Although the youngest of the three, Sunny, is still an infant, her ability to bite through hard objects will prove to be useful in their endeavors.

Harris also posted the latest trailer for the show on Twitter. He tweeted, "Time to meet the incredibly handsome Count Olaf in this incredibly @Unfortunate teaser. Coming to Netflix Friday the 13^{th of January."}

"A Series of Unfortunate Events" is slated to debut on Netflix on January 13, 2017. The first season of the show is expected to have eight episodes.