The Boy Who Lived will live again (on our screens). The decade-long Harry Potter series that was announced in 2023 is still happening, though the project will now be branded as an HBO Original instead of a Max Original. We know that J.K. Rowling is on board as an executive producer, but who else is involved? Here, the latest updates on the crew of Muggles that will try to make some magic happen.
Accio adaptation!
April 12, 2023: The Zazz Man continues to zag. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav used to be one of those notorious serial dumpers (of series). But all it took was meeting the right multibillion-dollar property for the Zazzmeister to change his ways and drop his commitment phobia. On April 12, the streaming service formerly known as HBO Max (as of today, just Max) announced that it will produce the first scripted Harry Potter show and that this “decade-long series” will span all seven Harry Potter books in a “faithful re-creation” of the text.
Max promises the show will be made 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 twenty-five years.”
Your Hogwarts letter is here.
— Max (@StreamOnMax) 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
At a Q&A, chairman and CEO of HBO & Max content Casey Bloys confirmed that J.K. Rowling, who has been aligning herself on Twitter with far-right figures posting content that is not only transphobic but also racist, “will be involved” with the series as an executive producer. “I think her insights are going to be incredibly helpful on that,” Bloys said. The company will begin to look for showrunners now that the news is officially out. Nothing has been said about the casting process for the new Harry, Ron, Hermione, Draco, and so on.
Bloys deflected a question about Rowling’s transphobic comments, saying, “I don’t think this is the forum” and “Our priority is what’s onscreen. Obviously, the Harry Potter story is very affirmative and positive and about love and acceptance.” Bloys dismissed the question because it’s “a very online conversation,” which, like … what do you think a streaming service is, Casey? Where do you think it streams?
In a written statement, Rowling said, “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.” Look at how easy it was for Joanne to pivot to using the platform’s new chosen name! Almost like it’s an easy, reasonable thing to do.
Hogwarts is hiring
June 26, 2024: Who do we think is better at delivering insults, Logan Roy or Severus Snape? The decade-long Harry Potter series, which has now been rebranded as an HBO Original, apparently believes that a Succession duo will have the best shot at success. Per Entertainment Weekly, Succession writer Francesca Gardiner has been brought on board as the showrunner and lead writer, while Succession director Mark Mylod will executive produce and direct multiple episodes. Gardiner previously wrote for HBO’s adaptation of His Dark Materials and executive produced Killing Eve, while Mylod’s directing credits include Game of Thrones and The Menu. Given that Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said in a February earnings call that the Harry Potter series is aiming for a 2026 premiere, we’ve still got a while until Gardiner and Mylod will be ready for Hogwarts to open its doors.
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