Harry Potter: the series finds its writer and director

The magic of Harry Potter is about to invade our screens once again. HBO, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Television, has made an exciting announcement for fans of the young wizard. Francesca Gardiner, a screenwriter acclaimed for her work on such hit series as Succession, His Dark Materials and Killing Eve, has been chosen as showrunner and executive producer of the next Harry Potter original series. Mark Mylod, a renowned director known for his work on Succession, Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, will serve as executive producer and direct several episodes.

The series, which will air on new streaming platform Max (formerly HBO Max), promises to be a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling's iconic books. In the works since January 2021, the project has encountered several challenges, including complicated rights issues due to a seven-year agreement with Warner Bros. Domestic TV Distribution. This agreement, covering U.S. broadcast rights including streaming, will expire in April 2025.
The series was officially confirmed in development in April 2023. More recently, on June 25, 2024, it was announced that the series would be moved in the US from Max to HBO, with a premiere scheduled for 2026. This new adaptation aims to captivate a new generation of fans thanks to a renewed cast, while preserving the magical essence that made the original books and films so successful.

Francesca Gardiner, as writer and executive producer, will bring her unique vision to this highly anticipated series. Her experience on projects with complex plots and deep characters promises to bring a new dimension to the adventures of Harry Potter. Mark Mylod, meanwhile, will bring his directing expertise to create visually captivating and emotionally powerful episodes.

Each season of the series will reintroduce Harry Potter and his incredible adventures to a new global audience. Beloved characters like Harry, Hermione, Ron, and many others will be reinterpreted by an entirely new cast, offering a fresh perspective while remaining true to the spirit of the books. This approach aims to rekindle the enthusiasm of long-time fans while attracting new viewers.

The series is produced by an experienced and passionate team. In addition to Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films, are involved as producers. This collaboration between renowned creative talents guarantees that the series will respect the Harry Potter legacy while adding innovative and captivating elements.

The original Harry Potter films, now classics and loved by millions of fans worldwide, will remain available for viewing. They will continue to be a cornerstone of the franchise, offering continuity with the new TV project.

The Harry Potter series on HBO in the U.S. and Max in France represents a new era for the young wizard's universe. With a top-notch creative team and a clear vision for the future, fans can look forward to an immersive experience that will once again capture the imagination of audiences worldwide. The Harry Potter magic is far from over, and this series promises to be a spectacular adventure for all fans of the universe created by J.K. Rowling.

(Source : press release)