Harry Potter Hires a Hogwarts Headmaster

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HBO is really making the first scripted Harry Potter show. Yes, the decadelong project, rebranded as an HBO Original instead of a Max Original, has the series’ controversial anti-trans author J.K. Rowling on board as an executive producer, but who else is going to bring the Boy Who Lived to life again? So far we have a Succession duo in the crew and a potential Snape. Below, everything else we know ahead of the estimated release date, including who else is heading to Hogwarts.

So, it’s Harry Potter again.

Max has declared that this “decade-long series” will span all seven Harry Potter books in a “faithful re-creation” of the text, promising that the show will be made with “the same epic craft, love and care this global franchise is known for. 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 twenty-five years.”

Your Hogwarts letter is here.

Max has ordered the first ever #HarryPotter scripted television series, a faithful adaptation of the iconic books. #StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/3CgEHLYhch

— Max (@StreamOnMax) April 12, 2023

Is J.K. Rowling involved?

Yup. Warner Bros stands by her involvement and speaking to the book series’s message of “acceptance” (their words). On November 20, Variety reported that the studio defended Rowling’s “right to express her personal views” in a short statement. They concluded, “We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”

At a Q&A after the show was announced in April 2023, chairman and CEO of HBO & Max content Casey Bloys confirmed that J.K. Rowling, who has been aligning herself on Twitter with far-right figures posting content that is not only transphobic but also racist, “will be involved” with the series as an executive producer. “I think her insights are going to be incredibly helpful on that,” Bloys said.

Bloys deflected a question about Rowling’s transphobic comments, saying, “I don’t think this is the forum” and “Our priority is what’s onscreen. Obviously, the Harry Potter story is very affirmative and positive and about love and acceptance.” Bloys dismissed the question because it’s “a very online conversation,” which, like … what do you think a streaming service is, Casey? Where do you think it streams?

In a written statement, Rowling said, “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.” Look at how easy it was for Joanne to pivot to using the platform’s new chosen name! Almost like it’s an easy, reasonable thing to do.

Who’s in the cast?

John Lithgow will don Albus Dumbledore’s white beard; he confirmed the news in an interview with Screen Rant shortly after the rumors began circulating. He had some doubts as the role would define the “last chapter” of his career. However, he’s willing to go out with a Bombarda.

I May Destroy You actor Paapa Essiedu has been offered the role of Severus Snape, multiple sources told The Hollywood Reporter. His deal is reportedly near closing. A rep for HBO told Variety, “We appreciate that such a high profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”

Other rumors for cast members include The Divergent Series McTeer is in negotiations to play Professor Minerva McGonagall, reports Deadline. Meanwhile, there’s been no word on who will play the new Harry, Ron, and Hermione. In September 2024, HBO posted an open casting call searching for the lead trio. The call specified that it was looking for children from the United Kingdom or Ireland who will be between the ages of 9 and 11 in April 2025, and noted HBO’s commitment to “inclusive, diverse casting.”

Who’s writing and directing?

HBO is going all in on Succession. Per Entertainment Weekly, Succession writer Francesca Gardiner has been brought on board as the showrunner and lead writer, while Succession director Mark Mylod will executive-produce and direct multiple episodes. (Who’s better at delivering insults, Logan Roy or Severus Snape?) Gardiner previously wrote for HBO’s adaptation of His Dark Materials and executive-produced Killing Eve, while Mylod’s directing credits include Game of Thrones and The Menu.

When’s the release date?

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said in a February earnings call that the Harry Potter series is aiming for a 2026 premiere, so we’ve still got a while until TV Hogwarts will be ready open its doors and tries to make some magic happen.

This post has been updated.