At a press event in LA in April 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery first confirmed it’s expanding the wizarding world with an upcoming TV series, originally planned for release on its streaming service, Max. On Tuesday, Variety reported that the series would be branded as an HBO original instead.
The upcoming untitled “Harry Potter” series will feature a new cast to bring a new generation into the wizarding world franchise created by author J.K. Rowling.
Here’s everything we know so far about the show.
The series will be a ‘faithful adaptation of the beloved original Harry Potter books’
Warner Bros.
“We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,” said Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO & Max content in a press release shared with Business Insider. “Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World.” The series will “dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.”
In the same release, Rowling said: “Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series.”
Francesca Gardiner will be the showrunner and J.K. Rowling will serve as an executive producer
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Gardiner’s previous credits include HBO’s “Succession” and “His Dark Materials” and BBC America’s “Killing Eve.”
Mark Mylod, most recently recognized for his work on “Succession,” will direct multiple episodes of the show.
The show’s executive producers include Gardiner, Mylod, Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts. “Harry Potter” franchise producer David Heyman is also in talks to executive produce.
Users on X (formerly known as Twitter) took to the platform to criticize Max for its decision to involve Rowling, who has been accused of making transphobic comments, in the project.
Max did not respond to a previous request for comment.
The show is eyeing a release in 2026
Warner Bros.
Warner Bros.’ eight “Harry Potter” films comprise one of the studio’s most successful franchises, grossing over $7 billion worldwide at theaters. The TV series will stream on the service in the US and globally.
WB Discovery CEO David Zaslav shared details about the expected debut during an earnings call in February, per The Hollywood Reporter. Zaslav said that he, Bloys, and WBD TV chief Channing Dungey met with Rowling and her team to discuss the show.
“Both sides are thrilled to be reigniting this franchise,” Zaslav said. “Our conversations were great, and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead. We can’t wait to share a decade of new stories with fans around the world.”
This story was originally published in April 2023 and has been updated to reflect recent developments. Kirsten Acuna contributed to a previous version of this article.
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