A magical return to Hogwarts is officially on the horizon. HBO is developing a brand-new television adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series and it’s shaping up to be one of the most ambitious and closely watched productions in recent memory. While the series remains untitled, it’s set to debut on both HBO and Max (formerly HBO Max) in 2027, and here’s everything we know so far.
A New Era For The Wizarding World
Announced by HBO as a “faithful adaptation” of the iconic books, the series promises to reimagine the Harry Potter universe for a new generation. According to the official statement from the network:
“The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters ‘Harry Potter’ fans have loved for over twenty-five years. Each season will bring ‘Harry Potter’ and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
- Official HBO Harry Potter Logline
Unlike the eight blockbuster films released between 2001 and 2011, this adaptation will dedicate an entire season to each of the seven books, allowing for deeper storytelling and more detailed character arcs. The first season will adapt book one, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Developing A New Harry Potter Series Has Taken Years
Development of the series has been years in the making. In January 2021, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that a Harry Potter TV project was in early development, though HBO Max and Warner Bros. swiftly denied the claim.
By May 2022, speculation reignited following reports of a meeting between Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav and J.K. Rowling to discuss potential Wizarding World projects. Then, in December 2022, Warner Bros. Television CEO Channing Dungey confirmed internal plans to expand the Harry Potter universe on screen.
It wasn’t until April 2023 that the show was officially announced during a Warner Bros. investors meeting, as part of the launch of Max, HBO’s rebranded streaming platform. Zaslav confirmed a 10-year plan to adapt the series, with each season staying true to the corresponding book. David Heyman, the legendary producer behind the original films (and the second-most commercially successful producer of all time), was in talks to return as executive producer.
Though excitement was high, controversy emerged following confirmation that J.K. Rowling herself would serve as an executive producer. Amid backlash tied to her comments dismissing transgender rights, HBO and Max chairman and CEO Casey Bloys publicly defended her involvement, stating that she would not be dismissed.
By February 2024, a shortlist of showrunner candidates was circulating - including Succession writer Francesca Gardiner - and in June 2024, she was officially appointed as showrunner and writer. Acclaimed director Mark Mylod (Game of Thrones) was tapped to direct multiple episodes and also serve as executive producer. That same month, the series transitioned from being a HBO Max streaming exclusive to a full HBO original series, airing both on linear television and streaming.
The New Creative Team Behind HBO’s Harry Potter
The new HBO Harry Potter project boasts a powerhouse creative team, with Francesca Gardiner not only showrunning but also writing and executive producing. Gardiner’s prior credits include His Dark Materials, The Rook, The Man in the High Castle, and producing roles on Killing Eve and Succession.
Mark Mylod, meanwhile, brings his distinct prestige-TV expertise to directing. He began his career directing British comedy series such as Shooting Stars, The Fast Show, and The Royle Family, and later became one of the key directors on Game of Thrones and Succession.
They are joined by a promising writing team: Andy Greenwald (After the Thrones podcast), Bijan Sheibani (Barber Shop Chronicles), Josephine Gardiner, Laura Neal, Martha Hillier (Vera, showrunner), Ripley Parker (Everything Now, daughter of Thandiwe Newton and Ol Parker; sister to Nico Parker), Sam Holcroft (Writer-in-Residence, Royal National Theatre), and Ted Cohen.
On the production side, the series is being created in partnership with HBO, Warner Bros. Television, Brontë Film and TV, and Heyday Films. Executive producers include J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair (Chair of Rowling’s charity Lumos), Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman.
Bringing The Wizarding World To Life Visually
The technical team behind the series is equally impressive. Academy Award-winning costume designer Holly Waddington (Oscar winner for Poor Things) will lead costuming, with a host of high-profile department heads joining her.
Adriano Goldman serves as Director of Photography, with Cate Hall on board as Hair & Makeup Designer. Paul Herbert takes the role of Stunt Coordinator, while Mark Holt oversees Special Effects. Mara LePere-Schloop, known for her work on It (2017) and Interview with the Vampire (2022), leads Production Design, joined by Naomi Moore as Set Decorator. Creature effects will be handled by John Nolan, with Alexis Wajsbrot serving as VFX Supervisor (Don’t Hang Up, 2016) and Dom Sidoli as VFX Producer.
Filming Begins At Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden
Principal photography began on 14 July 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Watford, Hertfordshire, the very studio where the original eight films were shot.
In preparation, the team built a temporary school on site, designed to accommodate up to 600 child actors. Set construction reportedly began in May 2025, and the crew spent over a week filming at the Île de Sein in Brittany, including around the Tévennec Lighthouse.
On the same day filming began, the first official image from the production was released, showing lead child actor Dominic McLaughlin in costume. Just a few days later, on 17 July 2025, production was spotted taking place at the London Zoo, a nostalgic callback to a key early moment in the Philosopher’s Stone and in the reptile house!
What To Expect Next
According to reports from Variety, filming on Season 1 will continue through to Spring 2026, with Season 2 production expected to begin shortly after. The series is expected to roll out one season per book, faithfully adapting the seven original novels and filming will continue swiftly to compensate for the child leads growing up fast.
While it remains untitled and many casting details are still under wraps (especially with who will play the infamous Lord Voldemort), the scope and ambition of HBO’s Harry Potter series make it one of the most anticipated shows in recent history. It has a lot to live up to especially as the original films hold strong in the hearts of many. However on paper, it looks set to captivate a new generation of fans, so the legacy of the Boy Who Lived continues to grow.
The Harry Potter series will premiere on HBO and Max in 2027.
