Warner Bros. is producing a live action Harry Potter series for HBO Max, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter.
According to media sources, the series is “in early development”, and Warner Bros. is currently engaged “in multiple conversations with potential writers exploring various ideas that would bring the beloved property to television.”
In response to The Hollywood Reporter, a Warner Bros. representative denied that a Harry Potter series was even in development.
Given the silence of the company, there are many doubts about the series.
First and foremost is how it would be available to Canadians, as HBO Max is only available in the US.
Presumably, the series would come to Crave in Canada, given WB’s parent company Warner Media’s exclusive Canadian licensing agreement with Bell Media. The deal specifically includes content from Warner Bros. Television Group, though it remains to be seen whether the Harry Potter the series would be included in that.
Overall, it’s also unclear what the show would be about or even in what Wizarding World time frame it would take place. As it is, The Hollywood Reporter I also had no word on what participation Harry Potter creator JK Rowling might have on the show.
Rowling, who ultimately controls property rights, has been a controversial figure among fans in recent years for repeated transphobic comments, that many of the Harry Potter movie stars have denounced. Rowling’s work on the Cursed child sequel as well as the prequel Fantastic Animals films, has also been criticized.
Nonetheless, it makes sense that Warner Bros. finally wants to bring Potter to the small screen, given the enormous global popularity of the franchise. This would also be the first television series in the franchise.
In related news, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment recently delayed the Hogwarts legacy role play until 2022.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
