February 28, 2025, 3:42 pm | Read time: 9 minutes

HBO is adapting the successful “Harry Potter” series once again — as a series. But when will it be produced? Will the new edition deviate from the ever-popular films? And who will replace Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and co. in the cast? TECHBOOK presents all the rumors and information about the blockbuster project.

The signs have been good for a long time. The rights to the series are still held by Warner Bros. At the end of 2022, there was still widespread speculation that further films were being planned after the Fantastic Beasts series flopped. During an event organized by the Warner-owned streaming service Max, it became official: a Harry Potter series has been ordered! What we know so far about the mega project.

All Important Information About the ‘Harry Potter’ Series at a Glance

• The series, produced by HBO, is a reboot of the films, which themselves are based on J. K. Rowling’s books. Early rumors of a spin-off have not materialized.
• One season per book is planned. The Harry Potter series is, therefore, set to run for seven seasons, which are to be released within ten years.
• An exact start date has not yet been set. However, HBO is aiming for a release in 2026. However, more recent reports suggest a start in 2027.
• There are already many rumors about the cast of the series. John Lithgow has been announced as the first official cast member. The American actor will take on the role of Principal Albus Dumbledore.

“Harry Potter” Series as a Remake of the Books

The Harry Potter series was officially announced as one of the platform’s first major originals at an event organized by the then-new streaming service Max. Since then, the already well-known services HBO Max and Discovery+ have been running under the new “Max” brand. In the course of this announcement, Warner also presented a rather impressive plan for the coming years, which also includes a Harry Potter series.

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Since then, it has also been clear that the production will not be a spin-off but a further adaptation of the novels. One season per book is also to be realized. This means that even before the start of the series, it is clear that there will be seven seasons.

When Will the “Harry Potter” Series Start?

It is now certain that filming will start in April 2025. However, a specific start date for the Harry Potter series is not known. However, according to a report in the magazine Deadline, a rough plan has already been drawn up. This envisages that the Harry Potter series could probably start at the end of 2026 at the earliest. However, a release in early 2027 seems more realistic. Fans will, therefore, have to be patient for another two years or so.

Warner and HBO have also announced that they are pursuing a ten-year plan to expand the brand as a series. This seems to be a realistic estimate for a project of this size, with seven seasons planned. It also means that a large ensemble series is planned. Series productions also offer more scope and space for details from the original.

Which streaming service will “Harry Potter” appear on?

When Warner and HBO have been responsible for a new series in recent years, it has always premiered on Sky/Wow in Germany. However, it is unclear whether this will also be the case with the new edition of Harry Potter.

In addition, Warner is currently planning the German launch of its streaming service Max for 2026. The Harry Potter series could be an important building block for Warner to establish a direct presence in Germany. It is not known what this means for the launch of the series on Sky and Wow.

This Is What the Series Adaptation of “Harry Potter” Is About

As it is already known that the upcoming series will once again be based on the books by J. K. Rowling, the plot is also no secret. However, it is possible that the series will go into more detail about the books than the films. On the other hand, it is conceivable that HBO could add some elements that do not appear in the original, or only to a limited extent.

Here is a brief summary for those who are probably not already familiar with the plot. Harry Potter is about the eponymous boy with a lightning bolt scar on his forehead, who grows up as an orphan with his aunt, uncle, and cousin. On his 11th birthday, however, he learns that he is a wizard and that his parents did not die in a car accident, as he was always told. Instead, they were killed by the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who was then mysteriously defeated when he tried to kill the one-year-old Harry.

Harry is now supposed to go to Hogwarts School of Magic. There, he not only has to deal with magical lessons but also with his fame in the wizarding world. He also has to deal with nasty classmates — especially Draco Malfoy — and sometimes equally nasty teachers. On top of that, Voldemort, who is by no means finally defeated, keeps trying to find a way back to power. It’s a good thing that Harry has his friends Ron and Hermione alongside the powerful principal, Albus Dumbledore.

The Cast of the “Harry Potter” Series

The Harry Potter series is still in its infancy, but the first rumors about the cast are already piling up. It is clear that all the iconic roles will have to be recast. The extensive casting process has already begun. Rumor has it that HBO wants to rely on a mix of well-known stars and complete newcomers. This has already worked extremely well for series such as Game of Thrones and is a common practice, especially for projects involving many child actors.

First Cast Confirmed

In February 2025, the cast of the series was confirmed for the first time. US actor John Lithgow confirmed in an interview that he would be taking on the role of Albus Dumbledore. Speaking to the online portal ScreenRant, he said, among other things: “I’ll be about 87 years old at the graduation party, but I said yes anyway.”

Lithgow is definitely a big name. The actor has already won numerous major awards, including two Golden Globes and six Emmys, for his performances in 3rd Rock from the Sun and The Crown. He has also been nominated twice for an Oscar (for The World According to Garp and Terms of Endearment).

Discussions About a Diverse Cast

Hollywood insider Jeff Sneider allegedly had some early insights into the casting process. In his podcast in April 2023, he reported, among other things, that Warner Bros. would focus on diversity in front of and behind the camera.

Many roles are also to be cast with people of color. The same applies to the rest of the crew. The character of Hermione, in particular, is also being talked about prominently. In the Broadway version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, she was already played by the African-American actress Noma Dumezweni.

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Stars of the ‘Harry Potter’ Films Could Return

Speaking of actors from the films: While many are eagerly wondering when HBO will announce new actors for the Harry Potter series, there is also speculation that familiar faces could return. For example, the actors of the Weasley twins, James and Oliver Phelps, have said that they could well imagine a return.

Draco Malfoy actor Tom Felton also made headlines in the fall. Not only does he speak very openly about his experiences on set but also the after-effects of his role in his autobiography. He was also asked whether he could imagine taking on a role in the Harry Potter series — and he probably could. Felton himself brought Lucius Malfoy, Draco’s father, into the conversation. The latter was played by Jason Isaacs in the films.

Neville actor Matthew Lewis also expressed a basic interest. However, he could best imagine playing an adult version of his character. How this could be embedded, however, is completely unclear.

Lead actor Daniel Radcliffe has all but ruled out a return. This is also underlined by the further course of his acting career, in which he has mainly taken on roles that have nothing in common with the wizarding student Harry Potter.

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Who Is Involved in the New “Harry Potter” Adaptation?

While it is still unknown which faces will end up in front of the camera, there is already some information about the staff behind the camera. Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts have been signed on as producers. Blair was already involved in the Fantastic Beasts films. There is also good news for fans of the film series. David Heyman will also be involved as an executive producer.

Francesca Gardiner is set to act as the showrunner for the Harry Potter series. Gardiner was involved as a writer and producer on series such as His Dark Materials, Killing Eve, and Succession. Mark Mylod (e.g., The Menu, Game of Thrones) will be the lead director.

Author J. K. Rowling to Be Involved in the Series

Following repeated rumors of a strained relationship between the author of the books, J. K. Rowling, and Warner Bros., it now appears that the British author will be working with Warner Bros. on the series. Following accusations of transphobia against Rowling, the author’s name was placed as inconspicuously as possible in the credits of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, among other things. She was also absent from the reunion production.

However, the studio stubbornly denied the rumors of a rift. The fact that she is now involved in the “Harry Potter series is certainly causing some discussion. However, Rowling is more likely to take on an advisory role and not act as a showrunner or in a similar function.