In 2022, amidst persistent rumours, Warner Bros. Discovery’s intention to revisit the Harry Potter franchise was confirmed when Davis Zaslav assumed leadership of the studio. Now, the WBD CEO has provided an update on the project’s progress.
During today’s Q4 earnings call, Zaslav disclosed that the inaugural installment of the reboot series is slated for release on the MAX streaming service in 2026.
As previously reported, J.K. Rowling, the controversial author of the Harry Potter series, will have involvement in the series “to ensure it remains faithful to her original material.” Although she is not expected to take on the role of showrunner, it appears she will have some degree of creative input.
Zaslav revealed that he, along with HBO and Max content chief Casey Bloys and Warner Bros. Television chairperson Channing Dungey, recently travelled to London to confer with Rowling about the show.
“We spent some real time with J.K. and her team,” Zaslav said on the call. “Both sides are just thrilled to be reigniting this franchise. Our conversations were great, and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead. We can’t wait to share a decade of new stories with fans around the world on Max.”
While casting details for the series remain under wraps, it’s unlikely that the actors from the original big-screen franchise will be part of the project. Daniel Radcliffe, renowned for his portrayal of the Boy Who Lived in the eight Warner Bros. movies, has explicitly stated that he’s ‘definitely not seeking it out in any way.’
Regarding the creative team, reports indicate that Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on Succession, is in negotiations to join the show as a writer. Additionally, Martha Hillier, Kathleen Jordan, Tom Moran, and Michael Lesslie are also reportedly under consideration for roles within the production.
“Harry Potter is a film series based on the eponymous novels by British author J. K. Rowling. The series is produced and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and consists of eight fantasy films, beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) and culminating with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011). A spin-off prequel series started with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), marking the beginning of the Wizarding World shared media franchise.
The series was mainly produced by David Heyman, and stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson as the three leading characters: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. Four directors worked on the series: Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell, and David Yates.[5] Michael Goldenberg wrote the screenplay for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), while the remaining films’ screenplays were written by Steve Kloves. Production took place over ten years, with the main story arc following Harry’s quest to overcome his arch-enemy Lord Voldemort.”
As the anticipation for the Harry Potter MAX series continues to build, fans eagerly await further updates on casting and the creative team. With Daniel Radcliffe’s clear stance on not reprising his iconic role, the door remains wide open for new talent to bring fresh interpretations to beloved characters.
What are your thoughts on this latest development? Do you agree with Radcliffe’s decision? Who would you like to see cast in the series? Share your opinions and join the discussion in the comments below!
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