After several attempts to renew the furor towards the franchise in the audiovisual field, Warner Bros. Discovery decided that the best way to fulfill its mission is to return to the roots: a “decade-long series” that will more rigorously follow all the events of the novels Harry Potter.
The multimillion-dollar saga created by JK Rowling inspired, of course, one of the most beloved and successful film franchises of the new millennium. The eight films starring Daniel Radcliffe alone grossed more than $7.7 billion at the box office. At the same time, the brand established itself as one of the most profitable in the world, thanks to theme parks and experiences, plays, video games, spin-offs literary and film, as well as tons of merchandise.
Below, we tell you some of the essential points that we know so far about the series of Harry Potter:
What will the series be about? Harry Potter?
In a press release in April 2023, Warner noted that the series will be a “faithful adaptation” of the seven original novels by Harry Potter. Rumors of discussions for a Wizarding World television project first gained steam in 2021, prior to Discovery’s acquisition of WarnerMedia. However, few could imagine that the multinational would ultimately opt not to expand this universe, but to completely readapt the story of the “boy who lived.”
The plot is well known. Harry Potter is an orphan boy who ended up under the tutelage of his abominable aunt and uncle and his unbearable cousin Dudley. But one day he receives a letter with a revelation that will change his life forever: he is not an ordinary child… He is a magician! For this reason, he has been accepted as a student at the prestigious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From that moment on, Harry’s luck takes a spectacular turn. However, his adventures will also lead him to face fearsome enemies, including the malevolent Lord Voldemort.
Your Hogwarts letter is here.
Max has ordered the first ever #Harry Potter scripted television series, a faithful adaptation of the iconic books. #StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/3CgEHLYhch
— HBO Max (@hbomax) April 12, 2023
Early reports suggested that each season would adapt one of the seven books. However, Casey Bloys, president of HBO programming, said the project would take about “10 consecutive years” to complete, which appears to defy the one-book-per-season principle.
Who will create the series? Harry Potter?
Max will develop this production in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. Author JK Rowling, as well as Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts, will serve as executive producers. David Heyman, who served as producer of the entire film saga with Daniel Radcliffe, is also on board as executive producer.
“Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I am eager to be a part of this new adaptation that will allow for a degree of depth and detail that only a long-form television series offers,” she stated in the JK Rowling announcement statement.
Warner continues in the process of finding the showrunner ideal for introducing the Wizarding World to new generations. In accordance with deadline There are three finalists left to win the coveted position: Francesca Gardiner (executive producer of His Dark Materials), Kathleen Jordan (creator of Teenage bounty hunters) and Tom Moran (creator of The devil’s hour). The studio and JK Rowling are expected to make a decision no later than next June.
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The cast of the series Harry Potter
There will be a completely new cast compared to the big screen versions, but it is important to emphasize that no one has been chosen yet. Channing Dungey, president of Warner Bros. Television Studios, told Variety that the casting will occur after they define a showrunner.
“We are in conversations with several different writers to determine who will be the person to lead that franchise for us,” Dungey said. “For us it is key to define who will be the showrunner and once we have that clear, we can start having those conversations [de casting]. The tricky part is the first two books, where the children are on the younger end, around 11 or 12 years old.”
In contrast to the predominantly Caucasian cast of the films, there are reports that the I would bet on a cast with greater racial inclusion, including in its starring roles. What is a reality is that JK Rowling will have the “final say” regarding the selected actresses and actors.
Regarding the return of any of the stars of the film franchise, such as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson or Rupert Grint, never say never in this industry. However, Radcliffe himself mentioned Comicbook.com that the creative minds behind this novel adaptation should “leave their own mark”, without having to worry about necessarily referencing previous films.
“I’m definitely not looking to get involved. [en la serie] in no way,” said the actor who played Harry Potter. “But I wish them, obviously, all the luck in the world, and I’m very excited to pass the torch. But I don’t think [la serie] “She needs me to physically pass her.”
When does the Harry Potter series premiere?
The tentative plan is that the first season of Harry Potter will be released at some point in 2026 on the platform streaming Max.
For or against remake? Will it live up to the beloved film saga?