HBO Max is reportedly in talks to create a TV series based on the beloved Harry Potter franchise. While the popularity of The Wizarding World makes this unsurprising, what’s interesting is that it would be another adaptation of the books rather than an original work.
J.K. Rowling’s novels chronicle the adventures of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley as they progress through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The books were adapted into a highly successful film franchise starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, so the need for a TV series begs the question.
However, the first film turns 22 years old this year, and a reboot could be timely. The movies omitted significant portions of the source material and amalgamated characters due to time constraints, making a TV series the perfect opportunity to include previously unseen content. Each book would be the basis for one series of the TV show.
Warner Bros. Discovery, the company behind the film series, is undoubtedly looking at ways to capitalize on the Harry Potter franchise, following the success of other formats such as the stage play ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’, the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ film series, theme parks, and the popular video game ‘Hogwarts Legacy.’
J.K. Rowling, who has creative control over any adaptations of her work, is likely to have “story approval” on each episode and receive an executive producer credit.
While reboots are not uncommon, it is worth considering whether another adaptation is what’s needed here. Like Star Wars, Harry Potter has stood the test of time, and a series about the next generation – Harry’s kids at Hogwarts, for example – could be a more refreshing and captivating approach.