Draft:Harry Potter (TV series)

Harry Potter
Genre
Based onHarry Potter
by J. K. Rowling
ShowrunnerFrancesca Gardiner
Directed byMark Mylod
Country of origin
  • United States
  • United Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producers
  • J. K. Rowling
  • Neil Blair
  • Ruth Kenley-Letts
  • Francesca Gardiner
  • Mark Mylod
Production companiesBrontë Film
Warner Bros. Television
Original release
NetworkHBO

Harry Potter is an upcoming fantasy television series developed for the premium cable network HBO, based on the novel series by J. K. Rowling. The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television and Brontë Film.

Harry Potter is scheduled to premiere on HBO in the United States in 2026.

Cast and characters

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Production

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Development

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Following the release of the Harry Potter film series (2001-2011), Robyn Bahr of The Hollywood Reporter opined in November 2018 that it was an appropriate opportunity for an animated television series adaptation at the time.[1] By January 2021, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that a Harry Potter series was in early development and that HBO Max executives were looking for potential writers.[2] However, HBO Max and Warner Bros. denied the report, saying there was no Harry Potter series in development at the studio or on the streaming platform.[3][4] By May 2022, reports circulated about the announced meeting between Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav and J. K. Rowling in their discussion for future HBO Max projects set within the Wizarding World franchise.[5][6][7]

In December 2022, it was reported that Warner Bros. Television CEO Channing Dungey shared plans to expand the Wizarding World franchise.[8] In April 2023, at a Warner Bros. investors meeting, it was announced that the series was in development. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav revealed plans for the series during a presentation for the new streaming service Max, the successor to HBO Max. The series would be developed over a decade and each season would be faithful to the series.[9] A search for a showrunner was underway, while David Heyman was in talks to executive produce, after serving as a producer of the Harry Potter film series. The first season is expected to cover the entirety of the first book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997).[10] After Rowling was confirmed to be an executive producer on the series, this caused backlash due to the controversy she previously attracted over her views on transgender issues, but HBO and HBO Max chairman and CEO Casey Bloys said she would not be dismissed.[11] Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts also serve as executive producers on the series.[9]

In October 2023, David Yates confirmed that he was not interested in working on the series.[12] Deadline Hollywood stated that by February 2024, there was a shortlist of three candidates to be the series' creative leader, including Succession writer Francesca Gardiner.[13] In June, Gardiner was hired as the showrunner and Mark Mylod was hired to direct the series.[14] In September, a casting call was released looking for child actors to portray Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley.[15]

Writing

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Andy Greenwald, Laura Neal and Josephine Gardiner serve as writers on the series,[16] alongside Francesca Gardiner.

Casting

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In November 2024, Mark Rylance was eyed to portray Albus Dumbledore.[17]

Release

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The series will be released on HBO in the United States and is expected to debut in late 2026 or early 2027.[18][19] It was originally slated to air on Max.[20]

References

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  1. ^ Bahr, Robyn (27 November 2018). "Critic's Notebook: It's Time for an Animated Harry Potter Television Series". The Hollywood Reporter. Eldridge Industries. Archived from the original on 23 July 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
  2. ^ Goldberg, Lesley; Goldberg, Lesley (25 January 2021). "'Harry Potter' Live-Action TV Series in Early Development at HBO Max (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Eldridge Industries. Archived from the original on 21 September 2021. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  3. ^ Otterson, Joe; Otterson, Joe (25 January 2021). "'Harry Potter' TV Series in Early Development at HBO Max". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  4. ^ "Warner Bros. Denies 'Harry Potter' TV Series Is Actually Happening". Movieweb. Valnet. 25 January 2021. Archived from the original on 21 September 2021. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  5. ^ Jones, Mike (18 May 2022). "New WB CEO Reportedly Meeting With JK Rowling About More Harry Potter". Screen Rant. Valnet. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  6. ^ Anderson, Jenna (18 May 2022). "Warner Bros. Discovery Exec Reportedly Meeting With Harry Potter Creator Soon to Develop New Content". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  7. ^ Williams, Mike (18 May 2022). "New Warner Bros. CEO Is Doubling Down on Harry Potter". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 21 July 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  8. ^ Eclarinal, Aeron Mer (30 November 2022). "Harry Potter TV Spin-off Gets Promising Updates from Warner Bros". The Direct. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  9. ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (12 April 2023). "'Harry Potter' Series A Go With J.K. Rowling Executive Producing, Set For 10-Year Run On Max". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  10. ^ White, Peter (12 April 2023). "'Harry Potter' Series Starts Search For Showrunner". Deadline. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  11. ^ Jackson, Angelique; Vary, Adam B. (12 April 2023). "HBO Chief Addresses J.K. Rowling Involvement in 'Harry Potter' Series". Variety. Archived from the original on 14 April 2023. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  12. ^ "Director David Yates Shuts Door on Harry Potter TV Series Return: "I Feel I've Left It" (Exclusive)". TV Shows. 23 October 2023. Archived from the original on 2023-10-23. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
  13. ^ White, Peter (1 February 2024). "'Harry Potter' Series Narrows Writer Search With 'Succession's Francesca Gardiner Entering the Fray". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on 2 February 2024. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  14. ^ White, Peter (June 26, 2024). "'Harry Potter' HBO Series Finds Its Creative Team In 'Succession' Duo Francesca Gardiner & Mark Mylod". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on June 26, 2024. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  15. ^ Moreau, Jordan (September 9, 2024). "HBO's 'Harry Potter' Series Opens Casting Call for Harry, Ron and Hermione: 'We Are Committed to Inclusive, Diverse Casting'". Variety. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  16. ^ Multiple sources:
  17. ^ Yossman, K.J.; Otterson, Joe (November 11, 2024). "'Harry Potter' TV Series Eyes Mark Rylance for Dumbledore (Exclusive)". Variety. Archived from the original on November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  18. ^ White, Peter (June 25, 2024). "'Harry Potter' & 'Welcome To Derry' Moving From Max To HBO As Part Of Big-Budget Streaming Strategy Rethink". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
  19. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (September 16, 2024). "Casey Bloys on 'Hacks' Surprise Comedy Series Emmy Win & Category Debate; 'White Lotus', 'The Last Of Us', 'Euphoria' & 'Harry Potter' Updates". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 17, 2024. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  20. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (12 April 2023). "Harry Potter TV Series is Officially Happening at Max". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 12 April 2023.