Everything we know about the Harry Potter TV show
Harry Potter is returning, and while the original series has set the benchmark quite high, the new TV series is predicted to be even better.
Two top streaming services, HBO Max and Discovery+, are combining into one mega platform dubbed Max. This was announced on April 12, and while this news was a jaw-dropper in itself, something else has caught the viewer’s attention. Max has confirmed a Harry Potter TV series in a presentation to the press and investors.
After two decades, Warner Bros. is revisiting Hogwarts by delving into Harry Potter books once again. HBO Max announced the TV series on social media with a short trailer of the magical castle. And since then, fans have been on edge.
According to the reports, the Harry Potter TV show will be a big-budget long-form production, ten years to be precise. The show will mirror the cost for HBO Max’s recent giant House of Dragon, which reportedly had a production value of $200 million. So, Potterheads should prepare to be “stupefied” with modern tech, cleaner visuals, and enough funds to bring Hogwarts to reality.
Here’s all we know about the highly-anticipated show.
When is the Harry Potter TV show release date?
The production company is still tight-lipped about the exact release date, but Harry Potter TV show is slated for 2025/26, according to the leaks.
The newly combined Max launches on May 23, and while it’ll have plenty of content to retain old viewers and rope in fresh eyes, Harry Potter would be the primary catalyst behind the platform’s success. So, the company would try to release the series as soon as possible, so fans should expect Harry Potter to be released early in 2025.
How to watch the series
Harry Potter TV show will be available on Max in 2025, but it won’t be free. In order to watch the show, Potterheads must buy one of the three packages on the streaming service. These are the three tiers on Max, along with prices:
- Max Ad Light: $9.99 a month/$99.99 a year
- Max Ad Free: $15.99 a month/ $149.99 a year
- Max Ultimate Ad Free: $19.99 a month/$199.99 a year
Max Ad Light and Ad Free will allow for two concurrent streams, but viewers can get rid of ads by purchasing the latter. Max Ultimate, however, will come with four screens and no ads.
Is J.K Rowling involved in Harry Potter TV Show?
Yes. Unlike Hogwarts Legacy, J.K Rowling will be a big part of the upcoming TV show. She’s the executive producer, meaning she will also have a say in casting.
“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,” Rowling said.
Rowling will executive produce along with Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts. David Heyman, who produced all the Harry Potter movies, hasn’t yet been confirmed in the producer cast, but the discussions are underway.
Rowling’s involvement in the Harry Potter show is a big surprise, especially after the backlash received by the franchise’s official video game Hogwarts Legacy. However, the game still made millions and was an instant hit among the fans. Still, Rowling’s problematic take on transgender rights looms over her hit franchise.
Is the Harry Potter TV show based on the books?
Yes, Harry Potter will be a decade-long TV show, with each season based on books in chronological order. There are seven books, but the creators would likely split up the last book and add bits from Dumbledore and Snape’s life to complete the full ten seasons.
This means Potterheads who didn’t read the books will enjoy every detail in the TV show. A big chunk of Harry-Ginny romance was cut out from the movies to focus more on the plot, so fans should prep to be lovesick.
Will the original cast return to the Harry Potter TV show?
No. The original cast can’t return to their old Harry Potter roles since the TV show is based on books and Harry is an 11-year-old child in Sorcerer’s Stone. So the TV show should have fresh faces picked by Rowling herself.
“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 25 years,” Max said.
Rumors suggest that executive producer Rowling will have the final say in the casting process, which makes the most sense, considering she wrote the characters. But, according to Hero Talent Group founder Nicole Tasker, the hunt for the next Harry Potter, Hermoine Granger, and Ron Weasley will be open-ended. The announcements for casting will be made on social media in the next nine months.
While it’s unlikely that the Harry Potter movie cast will return to their original roles, they may make cameos as older characters. For example, so far, rumors claim that Tom Felton may play Lucius Malfoy in the TV show. But, these rumors should be taken with a grain of salt since actors agreeing to a long-form show will be a tall order.
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