A season per book: what is known about the sensational Harry Potter series, which will start filming in 2025

The project of a series of books about the wizard Harry Potter, which is being prepared by HBO, is gradually becoming overgrown with rumors and even scandals. Fans expect an equally epic show from the company that produced Game of Thrones.

Variety has revealed what is currently known about the upcoming series. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Milod from The Heirs were hired to lead the project. They were entrusted to revive the magical world of Hogwarts.

The show will be released 30 years after writer J.K. Rowling published the book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, which was adapted into a movie by Chris Columbus in 2001. The Wizarding World franchise, which includes the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, ranks fourth in terms of box office receipts in history, having earned a total of $9.6 billion worldwide from 11 films.

The difference between the series and the movies

The TV show will be released in the format of "one book – one season". Gardiner and Mayold have said that they see the series as an opportunity to expand on the books and films without destroying their legacy. For example, they stated that they do not intend to "tinker" with the appearance of the Great Hall.

Instead, the project leaders plan to "really delve into the storylines of the characters." That is, they intend to reveal various Hogwarts students who have not received much screen time before. This includes the staff of the school of magic and its workers.

J.K. Rowling's involvement

One of the most controversial elements of the Harry Potter world in recent years has been the author's loud comments on the Internet against transgender and non-binary people. Despite several scandals involving her, writer J.K. Rowling will still be involved in the series as an executive producer.

At a press conference on November 12, HBO CEO Casey Bloys mentioned that Rowling is "very, very involved in the process of choosing a writer and director." And her controversial comments did not affect the channel's intention to work with her.

The cast

So far, there is no confirmed information about the cast of the series. It is reported that about 32,000 children have auditioned in Ireland and the UK for the main roles of little Harry, Ron, and Hermione. As of December 5, Gardiner and Milod were reviewing the audition tapes. Their goal is to meet with the shortlisted candidates in January.

As for the other key roles, it is known that Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies) is being considered for the role of Dumbledore, and Paapa Essiedu (I Can Destroy You) is the main contender for the role of Professor Severus Snape. However, no official agreements have been signed with these actors yet and negotiations are ongoing.

The premiere of the show

The filming of the Harry Potter series is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025 in Leavesden, where the films were also shot. HBO is currently planning to premiere the long-awaited show in 2026. It should be released on Max streaming.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.