Warner Bros. Discovery is in talks to produce a TV series for HBO Max based on the original “Harry Potter” novels, TheWrap has confirmed.
According to Bloomberg, which first reported the talks, if the show does go into production, it will be a new adaptation related to the hit film series. Each season will cover one of the 7 “Harry Potter” novels first published between 1997 and 2007. The deal will see author JK Rowling involved in the creative development of the series, though she is not expected to participate in a major role.
The news comes just a year after Warner Bros. Discovery released the third installment of the “Fantastic Beasts” series, “The Secrets of Dumbledore,” which marked the end of the Eddie Redmayne-led spinoff film trilogy.
At the time, TheWrap reported that Warner insiders said the studio had not ruled out more theatrical films and HBO Max projects for the “Harry Potter” universe, even after the “Fantastic Beasts” films take off.
“‘Fantastic Beasts’ was always going to be one piece of a larger plan to build The Wizarding World,” Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros. domestic distribution chief, told TheWrap at the time. “While ‘Secrets of Dumbledore’ numbers were down compared to previous films, we still feel the series has done its part to keep the Wizarding World fresh in people’s minds, and we are pleased with the revenue we have generated.” Franchises have seen theme parks, stores, and other products and experiences.
HBO Max and Warner Bros. have both expanded their Wizarding World portfolios, with HBO Max’s “Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts” celebrating the 20th anniversary of the film franchise and Warner’s “Hogwarts Legacy,” a video game that There are “Harry Potter” books.