It’s official: the series adaptation of “Harry Potter” is coming. Here’s what we know so far about the new edition of the popular book and film series.
The “Harry Potter” series is without doubt one of the most popular and successful film franchises of all time. After seven novels and eight films, as well as a three-part spin-off about the ‘Fantastic Beasts‘, the film series has come to an end. There will not be another sequel in this form, but the stories from the magical universe will be continued or retold. While the play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”, also written by J.K. Rowling, gives us a glimpse into Harry Potter’s future, we will soon be able to relive his first steps at Hogwarts.
After years of speculation, Warner Bros. finally officially confirmed in April 2023 that the “Harry Potter” series will be relaunched as a series. A first teaser for the “Harry Potter” series is already available:
However, the teaser does not yet show much more than an official announcement of the series, underpinned by flickering candles and Hogwarts School in the background. Nevertheless, there are already initial details and assumptions about the “Harry Potter” reboot. What we know so far about the start, plot and cast of the series adaptations.
When and where will the Harry Potter series start?
Unfortunately, not many details about the new series adaptation of “Harry Potter” are known yet, so there is no specific start date. However, Deadline assumes that the “Harry Potter” series could possibly start sometime in 2025 or 2026, but this is only speculation so far. When the series will start naturally depends on many factors. It appears that the project is currently still in the early planning phase.
In addition, fantasy productions of this size usually take several years to be released. The new series may not even premiere until June 2027, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the first publication of the first novel “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. Either way, we’ll have to be patient. The series will be released in the USA on Max, the streaming service from Warner and HBO.
Plot of the Harry Potter Series: What is it about?
The series adaptation will do a lot of things differently, but the basic plot will remain the same and, just like the original film adaptations, will follow the most important events of the seven “Harry Potter” books. One novel is to be adapted for each season, which is why we are currently expecting (at least) seven seasons of the “Harry Potter” series. According to HBO Max boss Casey Bloys, the new edition will be a faithful adaptation of the “Harry Potter” works, but will also delve deeper into the story than was possible in the previous films (via Deadline). With the reboot, the series creators have significantly more scope to adapt the content of the “Harry Potter” books, some of which are over 600 pages long.
The series could therefore pick up on deleted characters, scenes and story arcs from the books or present them in more detail, thus fulfilling a great wish of many Potter fans. For example, Peeves, the poltergeist, was completely removed from the films due to time constraints, Voldemort and Dumbledore’s backstory was greatly shortened and the Dursleys were shown much less. Some of these cuts have, according to popular book fan opinion, diminished the importance of important revelations and robbed minor characters of their character development. The “Harry Potter” series could show us more of everyday life at Hogwarts and more of beloved scenes from the books in general.
Characters and Cast: Who is in the new edition?
As the “Harry Potter” series is a reboot that retells the story of the famous wizard student from Hogwarts from the beginning, the well-known characters from the books will be completely recast. According to Casey Bloys, this will give viewers the opportunity to rediscover Hogwarts in a whole new way (via Variety). Who will be cast for the roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione can only be speculated on so far. However, as with the original film series, the cast list is likely to include numerous (British) acting greats, while newcomers are more likely to be chosen for the young actors.
Brief guest appearances and cameos by some of the original stars cannot be ruled out, but are relatively unlikely – at least as far as the actors in the main roles are concerned. Former Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe has already officially denied a possible appearance in the series:
An important criterion for the cast of the new “Harry Potter” series should in any case be more diversity among the actors*. More people of color (PoC) are to appear in the magical world of wizards and witches and the roles within the production team are also to be distributed more diversely. This plan could counteract the criticism that the “Harry Potter” franchise lacks diversity. If the new edition follows the example of the play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” (currently on show in Hamburg), the role of Hermione Granger, for example, could be played by a non-white actress.
Criticism of the new series: J.K. Rowling’s involvement causes displeasure
Regarding adaptations and reboots of popular book and film series, it is almost inevitable that opinions will be divided. This also applies to Harry Potter fans, whose skepticism goes far beyond concerns about the content. This is mainly due to the involvement of Hogwarts creator J.K. Rowling herself, who has been criticized for some time for making anti-trans* statements. According to ScreenRant, the creator of the “Harry Potter” universe will be involved in the series as an executive producer to ensure a faithful adaptation of the books. The confirmation of J.K. Rowling’s involvement caused an outcry among fans:
Other Harry Potter projects, such as the game “Hogwarts Legacy”, have already been boycotted because of J.K. Rowling. The extent to which the author’s active involvement could be an obstacle to the success of the new edition remains to be seen. Despite everything, there will certainly be no lack of interest in the new “Harry Potter” series given the still huge fan community.
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