'Harry Potter' television series inches closer to becoming a reality

Warner Bros and author JK Rowling are coming to an agreement about the TV show


Entertainment Desk April 04, 2023

The long-rumoured Harry Potter television series is finally inching closer to becoming a reality! As per Variety, Warner Bros Discovery is in the process of finalising a deal to create the much-acclaimed fantasy films into a show.

The production would be based directly on JK Rowling's best-selling book series, rather than a spin-off like the Fantastic Beast films. Each season will be based on one of the novels, implying a continuing franchise for the studio that would last for years.

Although representatives from HBO Max declined to comment to Variety, according to sources, conversations between Warner Bros. Discovery and Rowling's side are in the early stages and will soon produce fruitful results for eagerly awaiting fans.

The studio intends to host the series under HBO Max, which will shortly be integrated with Discovery+ and relaunched under a new title. Rowling would keep some creative control over the series under the terms of the agreement, albeit she would not be the principal creator.

Warner Bros had long wanted a Harry Potter television series, as rumours regarding the project first surfaced in January 2021, and multiple times afterwards as well. The company's CEO David Zaslav has often emphasised onboarding franchises, listing Harry Potter as a top priority. He has also met Rowling several times and has come out in support of the author, who has been embroiled in a controversy over her comments on the transgender community.

The new deal comes as Warner Bro prepares to offer an investor and general public presentation on April 12. The event will highlight the combination of HBO Max and Discovery+ as well as the company's planned slate of streaming programmes, reports Deadline.

Previously, Warner Bro altered each novel in Rowling's books into a blockbuster film series, beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2001 to Harry and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 in 2011. The eight films grossed more than $7.7 billion at the global box office, significantly popularising the franchise.

Despite the fact that the original book and film series are no longer in production, the franchise has become a mighty cultural force in the world. From children to adults, everyone recognises the magical realm of Harry Potter, so much so, that it has led to the creation of several theme parks, a spinoff film series Fantastic Beasts, a hit Broadway production titled Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and even a video game called, Hogwarts Legacy.

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