Everything we know about the new Harry Potter series on HBO Max

The magical universe of Harry Potter comes back to life in a new adaptation for the screen, this time in series format under the HBO Max label. The ambitious project has sparked both enthusiasm and uncertainty among fans, promising to explore every corner of the seven original books with a fidelity that, according to its creators, will go beyond what the films managed to capture. With a long-term plan that includes a decade of production, the series seeks to become a new reference for followers of the magical saga.

The series will consist of seven seasons, one for each book, allowing the story of Harry, Ron and Hermione to be developed in greater detail. But this format also poses a significant logistical challenge: the physical growth of the child actors. As Casey Bloys, head of content at HBO Max, noted, “Shooting season after season will be difficult if we want the actors to remain similar in age to their characters.” To counter this problem, a new format has been proposed record the first two seasons in a short period of time, avoiding major discrepancies in the protagonists' appearance during their early years at Hogwarts.

JK Rowling returns to the centre of the project

Despite the controversies that have surrounded author JK Rowling in recent years, her participation as executive producer is key to the creative direction of the series. According to official statements, Rowling has been involved in the selection of scriptwriters and directors, although Casey Bloys assured that her role is more oriented to advise and not to intervene in every creative decision. Her involvement has generated divided opinions in the fan community, but those responsible for the series emphasize that her knowledge of the magical universe is crucial for the fidelity they seek to instill in the production.

Hogwarts and beyond: an expanding universe

This remake will not only be based on the original books, but could include elements from other productions related to the wizarding world. According to Warner Bros., the creators of the series are working closely with the developers of Hogwarts legacy, the successful video game set in the 19th century. This collaboration would allow integrating common narrative elements that expand the Harry Potter universe through different means, from character references to iconic locations that could link both stories.

The challenge of casting and production

Casting for the leads began in September 2024, with a focus on children in the UK and Ireland who will be aged 9-11 in April 2025. This suggests production will begin that same year, setting a timetable for a release in late 2026/early 2027. Finding talented young actors will be crucial to ensuring the main trio can maintain an emotional connection with fans over the course of the planned seven seasons.

Production and long-term planning

The planning of the series includes a 10-year horizon, raising questions about whether the format will be released annually or with longer gaps between seasons. While the first episodes could premiere as early as 2027, Bloys hinted that each season will take longer than a year to arrive due to the complexity of production. This long-term approach also reinforces the goal of making this series a unique experience that delves deeper into characters, plots, and subplots that the films didn’t cover.

Marked by high levels of expectation and unique challenges, this series has all the tools to become a revolution within the Harry Potter Universe. With an experienced creative team, headed by Francesca Gardiner y Mark Mylod, and the supervision of JK Rowling, this project promises to bring more magic than ever to the screens.