The rumored Harry Potter TV series has been confirmed. As part of the WB Discovery event where the new Max streaming service was announced, the company officially revealed plans to make the show, which is sure to be controversial due to author JK Rowling's involvement as an executive producer.
The untitled series is described as a "faithful adaptation" of the books. WB Discovery said it is planning a "decade-long" series featuring "a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom."
"Each season will be authentic to the original books and bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world," WB Discovery said. It was previously reported that there would be seven seasons, each adapting one of the books.
Rowling said in a press release that WB Discovery has made a "commitment to preserving the integrity" of the books. She said she is looking forward to the opportunity for the TV series to offer a "degree of depth and detail" only possible with a long-form TV series.
Harry Potter movie veteran David Heyman is in talks to be an executive producer, WB Discovery said in its press release. It's still very early days for the new Harry Potter series, and there is no word yet on a cast, release date, or any other details about it.
WB Discovery CEO David Zaslav has spoken enthusiastically about focusing on tentpole franchises, and Harry Potter would surely be one of them. WB Discovery is also planning to release more The Lord of the Rings movies.
Zaslav has met with Rowling "multiple times" and has supported the author, who continues to face criticism and controversy over comments about transgender issues.
The mainline Harry Potter series ended in 2011 with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2. The Harry Potter spin-off movie series Fantastic Beasts debuted in 2016, but the latest instalment stalled out and the future of the series is uncertain.
The video game Hogwarts Legacy proved to be a gigantic commercial success. The success of Hogwarts Legacy demonstrates the massive ongoing appeal of the Harry Potter series, management has said.
WB Discovery also announced a new Game of Thrones TV series during its Max event.