HARRY Potter will be coming to the small screen sometime in the near future, as a new television series based on the hugely popular fantasy by J.K. Rowling has been officially approved.
Warner Bros Discovery made the announcement yesterday during a wide ranging presentation to the press and investors, where they announced that streaming services HBO Max and Discovery+ will be merging into a new service called Max.
News of a possible new show set at Hogwarts first leaked earlier in the month, and has now been confirmed.
When the rumours emerged, some fans were confused as there already was an iconic movie franchise of eight hugely successful adaptations, which starred Daniel Radcliffe in the role of Harry Potter. They collectively grossed more than US$7.7 billion at the global box office.
According to reports, each season of the show will focus on one of the books in the franchise (for a total of seven seasons), with Warner Bros Discovery describing it as a “decade-long series.” It will feature an entirely new cast.
“We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,” said Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO & Max Content.
“Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World.
“In partnership with Warner Bros. Television and J.K. Rowling, this new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.”
Rowling will executive produce along with Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts. David Heyman is currently in talks to executive produce.
“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,” said Rowling. – The Vibes, April 13, 2023
