Kelly Rose Bradford
Netmums contributorThe show will be based on all 7 of the best-selling books, but there's a catch ...
It's the news Harry Potter fans (including us) have been waiting for.
Warner Bros Discovery have announced they will be releasing a Harry Potter TV series on their new 'Max' streaming service. And it's coming soon, with a US launch date of 23 May.
The 'Max Original' Harry Potter series will be adapted from JK Rowling's 7 much-loved books, and will feature a brand new cast. Each series will be based on a book at a time, and will be produced over the course of a decade. Phew.
The company has promised each series will be 'faithful' adaptations of the original stories.
Who will star in the new Harry Potter series?
Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson are not expected to make an appearance. While the cast has yet to be announced, Warner Bros Discovery have confirmed there will be new actors in the fan-favourite roles including Harry, Hermione and Dumbledore.
They said: 'The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail, much loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years.'
Your Hogwarts letter is here.
— HBO Max (@hbomax) April 12, 2023
Max has ordered the first ever #HarryPotter scripted television series, a faithful adaptation of the iconic books. #StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/3CgEHLYhch
Will they be the old stories, or new adventures?
Warner Bros Discovery have said that 'each season will be authentic to the original books' while the 'original, classic and beloved films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.'
Casey Bloys, chairman and chief executive of HBO and Max content, said they were 'delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way'.
'Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World,' he said. 'In partnership with Warner Bros Television and JK Rowling, this new Max original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.'
Will JK Rowling be involved?
Yes! It has been confirmed that the person who knows the stories and the characters best - the author JK Rowling - will work as an executive producer on the series.
And JK herself confirmed this, too, saying: 'Max's commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I'm looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series.'
Max orders first ever original #HarryPotter television series: https://t.co/goHtzdVxTG
— Inside HBO Max (@InsideHBOMax) April 12, 2023
The series will be a faithful adaptation of the beloved original book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling. #StreamonMax
Sounds great - when will it be out?
Ah, well... unfortunately HBO Max is currently only available if you live in the US... HOWEVER, HBO has apparently promised the series will be available to watch in other countries ... so watch this space!
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