At its HBO Max streaming event this week, Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed a new era is dawning for Harry Potter fans. A TV series based on all seven books about the boy wizard and his friends is announced for 2025.
Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO & Max Content about the project, assured fans would be “a faithful adaptation.” Early reports suggested each season of the show would focus on one book in the Harry Potter book series, which consists of seven novels, but Bloys said the project would run for “10 consecutive years.” This is similar to the theatrical version of a generation ago.
It also fits with the structure of the most popular kids series of all time, gradually growing more mature with each new book. The first book in the series, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (or “Sorcerer’s Stone” in the U.S.) was originally published in 1997. The final book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” debuted in 2007.
There will be new actors playing the series’ main characters, and the casting process is being “played very close to the vest” by Max.
Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and J.K. Rowling are executive producing, although there will be new writers for the series. David Heyman, who developed the films, is currently in talks to do the same for the TV series. As for a return of any of the film ’s stars — like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson or Rupert Grint — it’s possible. It could be a boost for the series.
Warner Bros Discovery’s other epic literary adaptation, House of the Dragon, is available on both the company’s streaming service Max, and to cable subscribers on HBO. The Harry Potter series will follow suit, according to the execs. So if you have HBO via your cable provider, you’re set.
“The TV show is new and we’re excited about that. But, remember, we’ve been in the Potter business for 20 years. This is not a new decision for us” said Bloys. For budget: “I imagine will be House of the Dragon scale or higher. This new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books.” Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav also said: “We can still develop other properties,” and has mentioned that he was going to develop more Potter projects since he became CEO. Harry Potter and spinoff Fantastic Beasts are both possible, but the new series is simply HP.
The franchise has proven incredibly popular across a wide range of media, including eight Harry Potter films to date, which have collectively grossed more than $8 billion at the global box office. There is also the Fantastic Beasts film franchise, theme park attractions, toys, and games, including the recently launched best-selling video game Hogwarts Legacy. There is also the hit Broadway show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which serves a sequel to the book series and won multiple awards while setting attendance records. There was a live reading of Potter to help people cope during the pandemic, a sign the stories have meaning today.
The films are now streaming on HBO and Peacock. And there’s a docuseries on the science behind the Fantastic Beasts. We’ll keep you posted on the latest!
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David Raiklen wrote, directed and scored his first film at age 9. He began studying keyboard and composing at age 5. He attended, then taught at UCLA, USC and CalArts. Among his teachers are John Williams and Mel Powel.
He has worked for Fox, Disney and Sprint. David has received numerous awards for his work, including the 2004 American Music Center Award. Dr. Raiklen has composed music and sound design for theater (Death and the Maiden), dance (Russian Ballet), television (Sing Me a Story), cell phone (Spacey Movie), museums (Museum of Tolerance), concert (Violin Sonata ), and film (Appalachian Trail).
His compositions have been performed at the Hollywood Bowl and the first Disney Hall. David Raiken is also host of a successful radio program, Classical Fan Club.
