David Farnor | On 13, Apr 2023

Max has officially ordered a new TV series based on Harry Potter.

The rebranded HBO Max platform, which launches in the USA this May, will bring together all of the Warner Bros, DC and HBO libraries, as well as the Discovery Channel, Food Network and more. A key part of the Warner-Discovery merger is the wealth of franchises that’s available to be expanded upon – and that includes, of course, Harry Potter.

The new Max Original Harry Potter series promises to be “a faithful adaptation of the beloved original book series”, with JK Rowling serving as executive producer. The involvement of Rowling brings its own complications, but Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO & Max Content, was keen to place the emphasis on the project rather than the person when announcing the project.

“[Rowling] will be involved. She’s an executive producer on the show. Her insights are going to be helpful on that,” he told Deadline, but also said: “Our priority is what’s on the screen. Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That’s our priority — what’s on screen.”

As for what’s on the screen, the series is based on the seven original books – not Fantastic Beasts – but will run for 10 consecutive years, which suggests that some books could be split across multiple seasons.

The search is underway at present for a showrunner, which means that casting and other details will be some way off. In the UK, however, Max is not expected to launch until autumn 2024, so fans on this side of the pond will be happy to wait.

Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts are also exec-producing, with David Heyman, who developed the films, in talks to exec-produce as well.

Your Hogwarts letter is here.

Max has ordered the first ever #HarryPotter scripted television series, a faithful adaptation of the iconic books. #StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/3CgEHLYhch

— HBO Max (@hbomax) April 12, 2023

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