Warner Bros. Discovery is reportedly in talks to produce a “Harry Potter” television series based directly on J.K. Rowling’s best-selling book series.
HIGHLIGHT
- Each season of the series would draw from one of the books, creating an ongoing franchise potentially lasting for years.
- Talks between Warner Bros. Discovery and Rowling’s camp are in a preliminary state.
- Rowling would maintain creative involvement with the series, but not serve as primary creator or showrunner.
According to Bloomberg, each season of the series would draw from one of the books, potentially creating an ongoing franchise that could last for years. Sources close to the situation suggest that talks remain in a preliminary state, but Warner Bros. is looking to house the series under its streaming banner HBO Max, soon to be combined with Discovery+ and rebranded under a new name.
While Rowling would maintain a degree of creative involvement with the series, she would not serve as the primary creator or showrunner. The news of the developing deal comes ahead of an April 12 presentation for investors and the general public, where Warner Bros. Discovery will preview the integration of HBO Max and Discovery+ as well as the company’s upcoming slate of streaming content.
The “Harry Potter” brand has remained a dominant cultural force since the conclusion of the original book and film series, spawning theme park attractions, the spinoff film series “Fantastic Beasts,” a hit Broadway production in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” and the recent hit video game “Hogwarts Legacy.” The eight “Harry Potter” films generated more than $7.7 billion at the global box office, making a television series an exciting prospect for Warner Bros. Discovery.
Overall, the potential “Harry Potter” television series is a significant development for Warner Bros. Discovery and the wider entertainment industry. The series has the potential to become a major draw for HBO Max, drawing in both long-time fans and new audiences alike. With ongoing discussions between the studio and Rowling’s camp, it remains to be seen when the series will officially be announced and begin production.
