HBO Is Making a Decade-Long Harry Potter Series

As a lifelong Harry Potter fan who’s grown up with the books and movies, I couldn’t be more thrilled about this new series! The idea of revisiting Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and the magical world J.K. Rowling created is absolutely exhilarating. The fact that it’s going to span all seven books, promising a faithful recreation, has me practically bursting with anticipation.

The Zazz Man, formerly known as David Zaslav, who was once infamous for discarding series, has found his match in a multibillion-dollar property, leaving behind his fear of commitment. On April 12, 2023, Max (formerly HBO Max) unveiled plans to produce the first scripted Harry Potter series. Originally a decade-long project, it was later reclassified as an HBO Original rather than a Max Original. J.K. Rowling is confirmed as an executive producer, but the identities of those who will breathe life into the Boy Who Lived on screen remain uncertain. So far, a duo from Succession and a potential Dumbledore are part of the team. Here’s what we know so far before the projected release date.

What do we know about the plot?

Max announced that this “sequence spanning over a decade” encompasses all seven Harry Potter books as part of an accurate recreation, assuring that the production will maintain the same grandeur, affection, and attention to detail synonymous with this renowned franchise. The series will introduce a fresh cast to captivate a new era of fans, offering the intricate details, beloved characters, and iconic locations cherished by Harry Potter enthusiasts for more than two decades.

Is J.K. Rowling involved?

Indeed, during a Q&A session following the announcement of the show in April 2023, the head of HBO & Max content, Casey Bloys, stated that author J.K. Rowling, who has expressed transphobic and racist views on Twitter alongside far-right figures, will serve as an executive producer for the series. He added that her perspective would be invaluable for the show’s production.

Bloys evaded a query regarding Rowling’s controversial remarks by stating, “I believe this isn’t the appropriate platform for such discussions” and “Our main focus is what we present on-screen. Undeniably, the Harry Potter tale promotes love, acceptance, and positivity.” Essentially, Bloys chose not to address the issue because it was perceived as a matter more relevant to online communities rather than a streaming service’s primary concern.

In her written statement, J.K. Rowling expressed that Max’s dedication towards maintaining the authenticity of her books is significant to her, and she’s eager to contribute to this upcoming adaptation as it offers an opportunity for rich depth and detail that can only be achieved through a lengthy television series format. It seems effortless for Joanne to adapt to using the platform’s new name! Almost as if it’s a natural, sensible decision.

Who’s in the cast?

It’s not official yet, but reports from reliable sources to Variety in November 2024 suggest that HBO has contacted Mark Rylance to explore his interest and availability for the role of Dumbledore. However, no negotiations have taken place so far. An HBO representative confirmed to Variety that as they progress through pre-production, they will only confirm details once they’ve finalized agreements, acknowledging that the anticipation surrounding such a high-profile series might spark rumors and speculation.

Currently, there’s been no update about who will take on the roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the upcoming production. In September 2024, HBO announced an open audition for the main cast, seeking children aged 9-11 as of April 2025, from either the UK or Ireland. The casting call emphasized HBO’s focus on diverse and inclusive casting.

Who’s writing and directing?

HBO is heavily investing in the series “Succession”. As reported by Entertainment Weekly, Francesca Gardiner has been appointed as the showrunner and lead writer for the show. Additionally, Mark Mylod, who has directed “Succession”, will serve as an executive producer and direct several episodes. (Who would you say delivers more cutting remarks: Logan Roy or Severus Snape?) Previously, Gardiner worked on HBO’s adaptation of “His Dark Materials” and produced “Killing Eve”, while Mylod has directed episodes for “Game of Thrones” and “The Menu”.

When’s it coming out?

David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, indicated during a February earnings call that the Harry Potter series may debut in 2026. Therefore, it looks like we’ll have to wait until then before TV Hogwarts is ready to welcome us and start casting its enchanting spells.

2024-11-12 11:53