‘Harry Potter’ TV Series in Pre-Development at HBO Max

A Harry Potter live-action TV series is in pre-development at HBO Max. According to the sources close to THR, executives at HBO Max have engaged in multiple conversations with potential writers exploring various ideas that would bring the beloved property to television. 

While it's news that executives at HBO Max and Warners are engaged in meetings to find a writer and pitch for a Harry Potter TV series, no writers or talent are currently attached as the conversations are still in the extremely early stages and no deals have been made. There is no word yet on what the focus of the show would be or what part of the “Harry Potter” timeline it would focus on should it move ahead. "There is no Harry Potter series in development at the studio or on the streaming platform," HBO Max and Warner Bros. reaffirmed in a statement to THR. 

Expanding the world of Harry Potter remains a top priority for HBO Max and Warner Bros., which along with creator J.K. Rowling, controls rights to the property. Harry Potter is one of Warners' most valuable pieces of IP. News that talks are underway for a Harry Potter TV series should come as no surprise given the value of the franchise to Warner Bros. Rowling's seven-book series was adapted as eight feature films that grossed more than $7 billion worldwide. WB also has the Fantastic Beasts prequel series of films, with the third film due in 2022.

HBO Max already has multiple DC Comics shows in the works, including the “Peacemaker” series starring John Cena as a spinoff of the upcoming James Gunn “Suicide Squad” film as well as a “Green Lantern” series from Greg Berlanti. JJ Abrams is also plotting a “Justice League Dark” series at the streamer. There is also a series inspired by “The Shining” that Abrams and Bad Robot are prepping, as well as a “Dune” spinoff show about the Bene Gesserit.