The Zazz Man continues to zag. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav used to be one of those notorious serial dumpers (of series). But all it took was meeting the right multibillion-dollar property for the Zazzmeister to change his ways and drop his commitment phobia. On April 12, 2023, the streaming service formerly known as HBO Max (as of today, just Max) announced that it will produce the first scripted Harry Potter show. The decade-long project was later rebranded as an HBO Original instead of a Max Original. We know that J.K. Rowling is on board as an executive producer, but who else is going to bring the Boy Who Lived to life again (on our screens)? So far we have a Succession duo in the crew and a potential Snape. Below, everything else we know ahead of the estimated release date.
What do we know about the plot?
Max has declared that this “decade-long series†will span all seven Harry Potter books in a “faithful re-creation†of the text, promising that the show will be made with “the same epic craft, love and care this global franchise is known for. The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail, much loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over twenty-five years.â€
Is J.K. Rowling involved?
Yup. Warner Bros stands by her involvement and speaking to the book series’s message of “acceptance†(their words). On November 20, Variety reported that the studio defended Rowling’s “right to express her personal views†in a short statement. They concluded, “We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.â€
At a Q&A after the show was announced in April 2023, chairman and CEO of HBO & Max content Casey Bloys confirmed that J.K. Rowling, who has been aligning herself on Twitter with far-right figures posting content that is not only transphobic but also racist, “will be involved†with the series as an executive producer. “I think her insights are going to be incredibly helpful on that,†Bloys said.
Bloys deflected a question about Rowling’s transphobic comments, saying, “I don’t think this is the forum†and “Our priority is what’s onscreen. Obviously, the Harry Potter story is very affirmative and positive and about love and acceptance.†Bloys dismissed the question because it’s “a very online conversation,†which, like … what do you think a streaming service is, Casey? Where do you think it streams?
In a written statement, Rowling said, “Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series.†Look at how easy it was for Joanne to pivot to using the platform’s new chosen name! Almost like it’s an easy, reasonable thing to do.
Who’s in the cast?
Nothing’s been announced. But I May Destroy You actor Paapa Essiedu has been offered the role of Severus Snape, multiple sources told The Hollywood Reporter. (The outlet noted that it’s unclear if formal negotiations have begun, though.) Sources familiar with the show previously told Variety in November 2024 that HBO similarly reached out to gauge Mark Rylance’s interest and availability in playing Dumbledore, though negotiations haven’t started. A rep for HBO told Variety, “We appreciate that such a high profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.â€
Meanwhile, there’s been no word on who will play the new Harry, Ron, and Hermione. In September 2024, HBO posted an open casting call searching for the lead trio. The call specified that it was looking for children from the United Kingdom or Ireland who will be between the ages of 9 and 11 in April 2025, and noted HBO’s commitment to “inclusive, diverse casting.â€
Who’s writing and directing?
HBO is going all in on Succession. Per Entertainment Weekly, Succession writer Francesca Gardiner has been brought on board as the showrunner and lead writer, while Succession director Mark Mylod will executive-produce and direct multiple episodes. (Who’s better at delivering insults, Logan Roy or Severus Snape?) Gardiner previously wrote for HBO’s adaptation of His Dark Materials and executive-produced Killing Eve, while Mylod’s directing credits include Game of Thrones and The Menu.
When’s it coming out?
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said in a February earnings call that the Harry Potter series is aiming for a 2026 premiere, so we’ve still got a while until TV Hogwarts will be ready open its doors and tries to make some magic happen.
This post has been updated.