J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter TV reboot gets new cast, 10-year commitment

Despite the relative recency and widespread success of eight live-action Harry Potter movies, based on the seven books in J.K. Rowling’s best-selling series — and also despite Rowling’s controverisal and highly publicized comments against trans people — Warner Bros. has no intention of putting the franchise to rest. Warner Bros. announced Wednesday that the TV series was confirmed, following rumors and reports last week.

The new Harry Potter version will feature a brand-new cast. Daniel Radcliffe, it’s not that he needed to hear this twice. The announcement came as part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s rebranding announcement from HBO Max to just Max, as the Harry Potter show will be a Max Original series from Warner Bros. Television. J.K. Rowling is the executive producer, according to the press release.

“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,” said Rowling via the press release. Ruth Kenley-Letts and Neil Blair are both onboard as executive producers. Original movie series producer David Heyman is also in discussions to join.

The press release describes Rowling’s fantasy series and its extended universe (Fantastic Beasts, et al.) as one of Warner’s “best-loved brands,” continuing, “For the worldwide fan community, and for generations to come, it welcomes everyone in to explore and discover the magic for themselves.” This press release makes no mention of the fact that “everyone” is not, in fact, invited in by Rowling.