As part of the rollout of their new and improved streaming service, Max, in April 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed the rumored development of a streaming series based on J.K. Rowling‘s Harry Potter novels. Warner Bros. Discovery is working closely with Rowling on the series which the author said “will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series.” Nearly a year has passed since the announcement and other than a recent comment by Channing Dungey, chairperson of Warner Bros Television, revealed that the studio was meeting with writers in their search for a showrunner, not much has surfaced about the new adaptation. Now, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has provided some info about when the first season of the series can be expected to hit Max.
During an earnings call, Zaslav indicated that the first season of the news series is currently planned to hit Max in 2026. “We’ve not been shy about our excitement around Harry Potter. We spent some real time with JK and her team,” said Zaslav of a recent meeting in London with the author. “Both sides just thrilled to be reigniting this franchise. Our conversations were great, and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead. We can’t wait to share a decade of new stories with fans around the world on 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 the 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.
According to Variety, the current plan is for the new series to span 7 seasons which would, of course, mean each of the 7 books would be adapted into a single season. Once the studio decides on a showrunner, the casting process could become a cultural phenomenon.
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.
Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO & Max Content, on the development of the Harry Potter streaming series for Max
Source: Variety
