A return to Hogwarts may be in store, as Warner Bros. is reportedly close to finalizing a deal for a Harry Potter TV series on HBO Max. Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling is said to lead the development and is on the verge of joining the series as a producer alongside Warner Bros. Television.
Information is limited, but Bloomberg reports that each season of the planned series will be based on one of Rowling’s seven Harry Potter books. This suggests that new stories will emerge in line with the events of the books and subsequent films. Warner Bros. and HBO aim to “explore deeper into Rowling’s books” by creating expanded plotlines within each season. Warner Bros CEO David Zaslav and HBO Max’s Casey Bloys have been working to involve Rowling in the project. If the deal is sealed, it will be the first time since 2011’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 that Rowling has approved a film or TV adaptation from the Harry Potter universe, though she did write and co-produce the three Fantastic Beasts spinoff films.
The Harry Potter films starred Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, but it is still being determined whether any of them will return for the forthcoming series or whether the show will involve their characters. As Bloomberg reported, despite Rowling’s involvement in the development, she will not be the showrunner or main creator. Instead, she will be a producer to ensure the show stays true to her original books. The news comes as Warner Bros. seeks to establish a new streaming strategy based on existing IPs and has been exploring the development of a Harry Potter TV show for some time in preparation for a unified streaming service featuring content from HBO and Discovery.
Rowling’s Controversies
Rowling’s involvement may overshadow the series, as she has stirred controversy over the years with her outspoken views against the transgender community. Controversial tweets and essays have led to criticism from Harry Potter stars like Radcliffe, Watson, Grint, and Fantastic Beasts actor Eddie Redmayne.
These ongoing controversies have negatively impacted Rowling’s finances, with Brontë Film and TV, a production company where Rowling is a majority shareholder, experiencing a 74% profit drop. While some of the declines can be attributed to COVID-19’s impact on the theatrical industry, a portion occurred after the reopening of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in 2021, coinciding with Rowling’s contentious remarks. The public’s reaction to the new series remains to be seen.
As anticipation builds for the new Harry Potter TV series, fans and industry insiders eagerly await further details. Casting announcements, potential release dates, and more information about the show’s structure are expected in the coming months.
While some fans are excited about Rowling’s involvement as a producer, others are concerned about her controversial views on the transgender community. The show’s creators and executives must navigate these concerns carefully to ensure a positive reception for the series.
The new TV series offers an opportunity for Warner Bros. and HBO Max to capitalize on the enduring popularity of the Harry Potter franchise, particularly as they continue to expand their streaming offerings. The series could become a cornerstone of the platform and help attract new subscribers.
As fans eagerly await more news about the series, there is no doubt that the Harry Potter franchise continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many. Whether the new TV series will manage to recapture the magic of the original films and books remains to be seen.
