The highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series is set to debut on HBO in 2026, and fans are eagerly awaiting more details. From casting news to production updates, here’s everything we know so far about the magical new series.
The Casting Call and Production Details
Warner Bros. Discovery’s Harry Potter live-action series is currently in the works, and early signs suggest an ambitious new take on the beloved franchise. The show will be based on J.K. Rowling’s seven books, with each season focusing on a different book.
A key piece of the puzzle is the casting. The show is currently searching for actors to portray the main trio—Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The casting call specifies that actors must be between the ages of 9 and 11 in April 2025, which suggests that production could begin in the latter part of 2025.
Who’s Creating the Harry Potter Series?
The team behind the new series is stacked with talent. Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on Succession, will serve as the showrunner. She beat out other finalists, including Tom Moran and Kathleen Jordan, to secure the role.
Mark Mylod, also from Succession, will direct multiple episodes and executive produce the series. With such a skilled team at the helm, expectations are high for a faithful adaptation that stays true to the spirit of the original books while bringing fresh elements to the screen.
J.K. Rowling’s Role and Involvement
J.K. Rowling will be involved in the series, although it’s unclear to what extent she will participate in the day-to-day production. The author has remained active in the Harry Potter universe, notably through the success of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the Hogwarts Legacy video game, which became the bestselling game of 2023. However, the Fantastic Beasts films have not received the same level of success, leading Warner Bros. Discovery to focus on returning to the world of Harry Potter.
What’s the Series About?
The Harry Potter series will be a deep dive into each of the seven books. As Casey Bloys, Chairman of HBO & Max Content, explained, the series will be “a faithful adaptation.” Fans can expect to see their favourite characters and plot points brought to life once again, though with the potential for some new twists.
Though earlier reports suggested each season would focus on one book, Bloys clarified that the series would run for “10 consecutive years,” hinting that there might be more to the story than simply adapting the books in order.
The Release Date: When Will It Air?
The Harry Potter series is expected to premiere in 2026, though production may begin in 2025. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav confirmed that the series is part of the company’s broader strategy to revive big-ticket franchises like Harry Potter. Zaslav mentioned that the franchise has been “underused” in recent years and expressed excitement about reigniting the magic of Hogwarts.
Where to Watch the Harry Potter Series
Once released, the series will be available on Max, the streaming service that offers three pricing tiers. These range from Max Ad Light at $9.99 per month to Max Ultimate Ad Free at $19.99 per month, each with different streaming capabilities. The series will be included in the service’s subscription plans, providing fans with easy access to the magical world of Harry Potter.
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