A new scripted Harry Potter tv series is coming!
The announcement was made during Warner Bros. Discovery’s presentation to the press and investors on April 12, during which it was announced that HBO Max and Discovery+ are officially being combined into a new service dubbed simply Max.
News of a show based on the megahit J.K. Rowling book series first leaked on April 3, but details have now been confirmed.
Each season of the show will be based on one of the books in the franchise, with Warner Bros. Discovery describing the show as a “decade-long series.” It will feature an entirely new cast from the films.
The new adaptation will introduce you to a new cast for a new generation of fandom and will be full of fantastic detail, much-loved characters, and dramatic locations we have loved for over 25 years. Each season will be authentic to the original books and bring Harry Potter and his incredible adventures to new audiences around the world.
Here’s how the series is described by Max
“The stories from each of Rowling’s Harry Potter books will become a decade-long series produced with the same epic craft, love, and care this global franchise is known for. The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of fantastic detail, much-loved characters, and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years. Each season will be authentic to the original books and bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic, and beloved films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
“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. “Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World. In partnership with Warner Bros. Television and J.K. Rowling, this new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.”
Said Rowling, “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.”
Which actors are starring in the Harry Potter TV series? Are any of the original Harry Potter stars returning?
There will be new actors playing the series’ main characters, but it’s unlikely anyone has been cast yet. In fact, Max’s search right now is centered on finding a showrunner.
“We have been trying to be very close to the vest,” said Bloys. “We haven’t gone out to agencies. We have our own internal process where we’ve been thinking about people but we have not wanted to go out into the world. Now that the news is out there…we’ll start going out to the business.”
As for a return of any of the film franchise’s stars — like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson or Rupert Grint — never say never. It would certainly be a PR boost for the series and, while new actors will be cast in the primary roles, there are always flashforwards or the currently en vogue multiverse plot ploy that could create space for more familiar faces in the series.
Will J.K. Rowling be involved in the new Harry Potter TV series?
A deal for J.K. Rowling’s involvement in the series had been the biggest hurdle in its path to the screen: The author has creative control over any exploitation of her work. That agreement has now been finalized.
Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts are exec producing. David Heyman, who developed the films, is currently in talks to do the same. Rowling’s Brontë Film and TV is produced with Warner Bros. Television. Brontë Film and TV was founded by Rowling and her literary agent, Neil Blair, in 2012.
“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,” said Rowling in a statement.
When will the Harry Potter series be released?
The series is expected to be on air in 2025/26, and given that Warner Bros. Discovery is embarking on a high-profile revamp of its streaming service, even changing its name from HBO Max to just Max, it’s a pretty good bet the company wants Harry Potter wizarding on the platform ASAP. Ditto J.K. Rowling, whose production company posted a 74% drop in profits last year.
