Helmed by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod (Succession), HBO’s adaptation aims to breathe new life into J.K. Rowling’s iconic story. The series will once again follow Harry Potter as he discovers he is a wizard, leaves his ordinary life with his muggle relatives, and joins Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Alongside Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, he becomes embroiled in the fight against Lord Voldemort, often referred to as 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.'
The show arrives nearly 30 years after the publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and 22 years after its film adaptation, directed by Chris Columbus, debuted in 2001. The original movie series became a massive cultural phenomenon, grossing $7.7 billion worldwide.
Here’s what we know so far about HBO’s Harry Potter series:
How Will the Show Differ from the Movies?
Each season will adapt one of the seven books, giving the creative team the opportunity to expand on the story without undoing the legacy of the original films. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod have emphasized their intention to stay true to the essence of the books while exploring previously overlooked aspects of the Wizarding World.
For instance, they’ve expressed a desire to "dig deeper into character arcs" and explore Hogwarts staff and students who didn’t receive much attention in the movies. At the same time, they’ve reassured fans that iconic elements like the Great Hall will remain faithful to the beloved visuals of the films.
Will J.K. Rowling Be Involved?
J.K. Rowling, whose controversial remarks about transgender and non-binary people have sparked significant backlash in recent years, will serve as an executive producer on the show.
HBO Chief Casey Bloys addressed her involvement during a press conference on November 12, stating that Rowling was "very, very involved in selecting the writer and director." He also noted that her past comments did not influence the decision to include her in the project.
Who Is in the Cast?
Casting for the series is still in progress, with no official announcements as of now. Reports suggest that approximately 32,000 children in Ireland and the U.K. have auditioned for the roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Gardiner and Mylod are currently reviewing audition tapes, with plans to meet shortlisted candidates in January.
In terms of other key roles, Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies) is rumored to be a top choice for Dumbledore, while Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You) is reportedly being considered for Professor Severus Snape. However, no deals have been finalized yet, and discussions are still ongoing.
When Will the Show Be Filmed and Released?
Filming is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025 at Leavesden Studios, the same location where the original movies were shot. The series is set to premiere on Max in 2026.
HBO’s Harry Potter series promises to delve deeper into the magic of J.K. Rowling’s world while offering a fresh take on the story for a new generation of fans. With its ambitious format and experienced creative team, it aims to honor the original saga while exploring uncharted territory in the Wizarding World.
