Harry Potter TV Series: Everything We Know So Far About HBO’s Adaptation
The Boy Who Lived is coming back to life.
Max announced in April 2023 that it had ordered a TV series based on the massively popular Harry Potter novels, with original book author J.K. Rowling attached as an executive producer. And though the expansive project is still in its early stages, we’re going to make like Hermione and get a jump on our studying, via the following round-up of intel about Max’s sweeping series. (Update: HBO’s sweeping series, that is. As of June 2024, the Harry Potter project is among several upcoming Max shows to get rebranded as HBO originals, guaranteeing that the series will air on the linear premium cable network in addition to streaming on Max.)
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“We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,” HBO boss Casey Bloys said at the time of the series’ announcement. “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 [HBO] Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.”
But how, exactly, will HBO’s version take shape? How many seasons will it run? Who will star? For answers to those questions and more, keep scrolling to see everything we know so far, and be sure to bookmark this page for all the latest news — until we can get in on that owl-based postal service, at least.
What will the Harry Potter series be about?
HBO’s upcoming series is described as a “faithful adaptation” of Rowling’s novels, so it stands to reason that the project will follow young wizard Harry Potter as he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and repeatedly faces off against the villainous Lord Voldemort.
In June 2024, the network announced that Francesca Gardiner (His Dark Materials) would serve as writer, executive producer and showrunner of the HP series, while Mark Mylod (Succession, Game of Thrones) would direct multiple episodes and exec-produce.
How many seasons have been ordered?
Ostensibly, seven — matching the number of books in Rowling’s series — but it’s not completely clear. When the Harry Potter TV series was first ordered, Max noted its plans for the show to span a decade. It has yet to be confirmed, though, if that equates to 10 seasons, or simply a 10-year lifespan for the show. Eight Harry Potter films were previously made, with the final Deathly Hallows novel getting split into two movies; it remains to be seen what approach HBO will take with its own adaptation.
Who will star in the Harry Potter series?
Casting for Harry & Co. has yet to be revealed, but we’ll update this post as soon as the series adds to its ensemble. In the meantime, peruse our dream castings!
Will any Harry Potter movie alumni return?
There are currently no Harry Potter movie cast members confirmed to return in any capacity for HBO’s series.
Daniel Radcliffe, who filled the title role in all eight Harry Potter films, previously told ComicBook.com that although he’s “excited to have that torch passed” to a new generation of cast members, “I don’t think [the show] needs me to physically pass it.”
“My understanding is that they’re trying to very much start fresh, and I’m sure whoever is making them will want to make their own mark on it and probably not want to have to figure out how to get old Harry to cameo in this somewhere,” he added. “So I’m definitely not seeking it out in any way. But I do wish them, obviously, all the luck in the world.”
Meanwhile, Matthew Lewis — who played perennial underdog Neville Longbottom in the movies — told People he’s “not in any rush to go back to the world” of Harry Potter, but he left the door cracked for a possible return one day.
“It’s not something I’m looking at or want to do but would not turn my nose up at,” Lewis said. “I’d be very interested to see if it was Neville as an adult — a whole different vibe. That could be interesting. I would certainly look at that and consider it.”
Is J.K. Rowling involved with the show?
Indeed, Rowling is on board as an executive producer, news that was met with many fans’ ire after Rowling’s statements on sex and gender in recent years have widely been deemed transphobic.
“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,” Rowling said in a statement when the Harry Potter series was first announced. Days later, having seen the criticism of her involvement with the show, Rowling weighed in more sarcastically in an X post: “Dreadful news, which I feel duty bound to share. Activists in my mentions are trying to organise yet another boycott of my work, this time of the Harry Potter TV show. As forewarned is forearmed, I’ve taken the precaution of laying in a large stock of champagne.”
When will the Harry Potter series premiere?
You don’t need to have your wands at the ready for a while longer: The Harry Potter series adaptation is currently on track for a 2026 premiere.
“We’ve not been shy about our excitement around Harry Potter,” Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav said during a company earnings call in February 2024. “We can’t wait to share a decade of new stories with fans around the world on [HBO]. We’re aiming for a debut in 2026.”
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