Are we ready to go back to the Hogwarts world?
Harry Potter is set to return to the small screen in 2026. Warner Bros. Discovery's CEO, David Zaslav, announced on Friday that the long-anticipated Harry Potter series is set to premiere on Max in 2026, after initially aiming for either 2025 or 2026.
"We've not been shy about our excitement around Harry Potter," Zaslav told Wall Street analysts during the company's fourth-quarter earnings call. "I was in London a few weeks ago with Casey (Bloys, CEO of HBO) and Channing (Dungey, chairperson of Warner Bros Television), and we spent some real time with JK and her team," he enthused. "Both sides are thrilled to be reigniting this franchise. Our conversations were great."
At the Max streaming event in April 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed that a new era is coming for Harry Potter fans.
What is the Harry Potter TV series about?
"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 Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO & Max Content, about the project. He assured fans that it would be "a faithful adaptation."
Initial reports suggested that each season of the series would focus on one book in the Harry Potter series, which consists of seven novels. However, Bloys announced that the project would run for "10 consecutive years," indicating a departure from the initial one-season, one-book plan. Warner Bros. brass confirmed during the announcement that the "Fantastic Beasts" series will not be part of this new series.
Regardless, Bloys promised that as the company embarks on this new Harry Potter adventure, "We do so with the full care and craft of this franchise."
Who is creating the Harry Potter series?
After the initial announcement in April 2023, Warner Bros. invited a select group of creatives to pitch ideas for the series. Among them were Martha Hillier, Kathleen Jordan, Tom Moran, and Michael Lesslie. This diverse group of writers, with experience working on various streamers and projects in the sci-fi/fantasy genre, presented their visions to the streaming service and Warner Bros. Television.
Recent reports indicate that "Succession" writer Francesca Gardiner is among the finalists. Gardiner, known for her work on "His Dark Materials" and "Killing Eve," is a strong candidate to contribute to this ambitious project. Martha Hillier, Kathleen Jordan, Tom Moran, and Michael Lesslie also remain in contention.
When will the Harry Potter series be released?
The series is expected to premiere in 2025/26. Warner Bros. Discovery's recent high-profile revamp of its streaming service, now named Max, suggests a desire to captivate viewers with Harry Potter's magic soon.
J.K. Rowling's production company saw a significant drop in profits in 2022, which partially rebounded after the success of the stage version of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child." Rowling's continued involvement in the franchise suggests that there is still a strong appetite for Hogwarts-related content.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav highlighted the need for more Hogwarts magic, calling the Harry Potter IP "underused" in recent years. He emphasized that deploying the best creative talent is crucial to leveraging the potential of this beloved franchise.
How to watch the series?
The series will be available on Max once it is ready. The service offers three price tiers: Max Ad Light, Max Ad Free, and Max Ultimate Ad Free, ranging from $9.99 to $19.99 per month.
Additionally, Warner Bros. Discovery's other epic literary adaptation, "House of the Dragon," is available to cable subscribers on HBO, and the "Potter" series will follow suit.
Which actors are starring in the series? Are any of the original Harry Potter stars returning?
New actors will play the main characters in the series, but no casting decisions have been made yet. Warner Bros. TV Group Chairman Channing Dungey stated that casting would come after finding a showrunner.
While there are no plans for the original "Harry Potter" stars like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, or Rupert Grint to return, never say never. Flashforwards or a multiverse plot could potentially create opportunities for familiar faces to appear.
Daniel Radcliffe expressed his support for the new series but indicated that he's not actively seeking a role in it. Similarly, director David Yates, who helmed the last four "Harry Potter" films, including the "Fantastic Beasts" trilogy, has not been approached about involvement in the series.
Will J.K. Rowling be involved in the new Harry Potter TV series?
Yes, J.K. Rowling will be involved in the series. A deal for her involvement was finalized in 2023, allowing her creative control over any exploitation of her work. Rowling, along with Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts, will serve as an executive producer on the series.
How much will the series cost to produce?
The budget for the series is expected to be comparable to or higher than that of "House of the Dragon," which cost nearly $200 million to produce. HBO/Max boss Casey Bloys emphasized the importance of investing in whatever it takes to make a quality show.
Will there be other Harry Potter-related projects?
Warner Bros. Discovery has the freedom to explore additional Harry Potter projects. While some areas require J.K. Rowling's approval, others can proceed independently. The company's focus on franchises, particularly Harry Potter, indicates a desire to expand the Wizarding World.
How long has this been in the works?
Exploratory conversations about a Harry Potter TV series began a couple of years ago when Warner Bros. appointed Tom Ascheim to manage the Wizarding World and Potter franchises. These discussions intensified after the Discovery acquisition, highlighting the growing importance of the Harry Potter IP.
David Zaslav shared a personal connection to the series, reminiscing about reading the books to his children. This new series represents a significant commitment to bringing the magic of Harry Potter to viewers for years to come.
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