It’s official: Harry Potter is coming back as a televised series on HBO Max, as per the streaming service’s confirmation.
Harry Potter was the series of an entire generation. The first book in the J.K. Rowling series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (or Sorcerer’s Stone in the U.S.) arrived on bookshelves in 1997. A couple of years later, Warner Bros. adapted it to the big screen.
The final book in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, debuted in 2007, with the final films (divided into two parts), hitting the big screen in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
And now, a bit over a decade since the franchise ended, HBO Max is bringing back the Resurrection Stone and will adapt Harry Potter as a televised series. With a brand-new cast, even more.
The announcement was made during Warner Bros. Discovery’s presentation to press and investors on Wednesday, April 12.
For over a week, the Internet has been commenting on a possible HP series after the information first leaked on April 3. But now it’s all confirmed.
So, how do we feel about it?
As a major Potterhead, not very confident. It hasn’t even been that long since Harry Potter ended, and a remake feels like they’re just cashing in.
But, at the same time, the movies left out so much information. So, naturally, a book a season, Game of Thrones-style, would most likely include all the left out details. Peeves, Ron and Ginny’s personalities, and more.
The new television series might come after the success of the Harry Potter reunion, also by HBO Max. The reunion brought most of the main characters together for a sit-down interview, with new information, and details on the original series.
Warner Bros. Discovery describes the show as a “decade-long series,” with a brand-new cast. So far, there is no information on the cast, of course.
“We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,” said Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO & Max Content. “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.”
Max will produce in association with Brontë Film and TV, and Warner Bros. Television. The author, J.K. Rowling will executive produce along with Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts. David Heyman is also currently in talks to executive produce.
“Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series,” said Rowling.
Your Hogwarts letter is here.
— HBO Max (@hbomax) April 12, 2023
Max has ordered the first ever #HarryPotter scripted television series, a faithful adaptation of the iconic books. #StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/3CgEHLYhch
