Harry Potter fans, some of whom have been casting spells for years in hopes of a television series about the wizard, can finally put down their wands and rejoice.
Max, the new streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery announced Wednesday that it has ordered a television series ‘Harry Potter’, based on the novels by British author JK Rowling.
“We’re excited to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,” Casey Bloys, the chairman and chief executive of HBO and Max content, said in a statement.
“Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear that there is such an enduring love and thirst for the wizarding world,” he said. A press release announcing the series said it would be a “faithful adaptation” of the best-selling book series, which includes seven books published between 1997 and 2007. Eight hit movies based on the books were released between 2001 and 2011.
The upcoming show, described as a decade-long series, “will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of fantastic detail, beloved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have come to expect for more than 25 years.” to hold. years,” the release read. It will be available on Max in the United States and around the world. No timeline for the show’s release was given.
Ms Rowling, who has received waves of criticism in recent years for her comments on gender identity issues, will serve as an executive producer on the series.
“Max’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of my books is important to me, and I look forward to being a part of this new edit that allows for a level of depth and detail only offered by a feature-length television series, ” she said. in a statement.
Potterheads, a term used to describe “Harry Potter” superfans, have struggled for years with the author’s comments on transgender issues. In 2020, she published an essay saying that a movement of transgender activists “tried to erode the ‘woman’ as a political and biological class and provide cover for predators.”
Although Ms Rowling has denied being anti-transgender, her comments have turned fans against each other, with some pledging to stop supporting the Potter franchise.
Despite the ongoing debate over Mrs. Rowling, products related to Harry Potter continue to be sold. Earlier this year, the Hogwarts Legacy video game sold more than 12 million copies in two weeks.
The television show is the newest source of income for the Potter universe, which also includes feature films, a play, theme park live entertainment, studio tours, and shopping.
Max, the latest entry into the overcrowded streaming market, debuts next month and costs about $16 a month for an ad-free version and less for an ad-supported tier.
Last April, WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc. merged, adding another media giant to the entertainment industry. David Zaslav, the president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, sold shareholders in part by claiming the combined company could have a successful app.
