— A Chronology
Warner Bros is in talks with Rowling to join the project as a producer, Deadline has confirmed. Once she comes on board, the project, which is in nascent stages, is expected to look for a writer.
April 4th, 2023 - Deadline
HBO is close to a deal for a Harry Potter TV series based on the best-selling young adult books for both cable and streaming, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.
Each season of the series will be based on one of JK Rowling’s seven books, said the person, who asked not to be identified since the deal hasn’t been announced, suggesting years of fresh TV fare from the popular stories.
April 3rd, 2023 - Bloomberg
And Ann Sarnoff, the Warner Bros. C.E.O. under AT&T’s ownership, also traveled for an audience with Rowling; sources say Sarnoff’s focus was a potential Potter TV show on HBO Max or another outlet. That wasn’t of interest, and HBO executives never went beyond suggesting possible writers. It was kinda pointless without Rowling’s endorsement.
November 14th, 2022 - Puck News
[Are you making a “Harry Potter” TV series:]
There’s nothing like a ‘Harry Potter’ fan, in terms of their endless appetite for storytelling and new ways of interacting with these characters. So whether it’s the reunion or live events or games, we’re very much in the business of creating new content for those fans and thinking what to do next. We don’t have a series in active development right now. But we are very much in that business, because fans are just clamoring for more storytelling.
November 10th, 2022 - Variety
There are no active discussions currently with Rowling about developing another “Harry Potter” movie, according to a source at the studio.
There is also currently nothing in “the Wizarding World” in active development at Warner Bros., inclusive of both the “Harry Potter” franchise and “Fantastic Beasts” IP.
November 3rd, 2022 - Variety
However, HBO shot down the possibility of new “Harry Potter programming” in a statement to The Post. The rep clarified that Zeiler had only “spoke about the opening of the Tokyo Wizarding World not about a series or films.”
“There are no ‘Harry Potter’ series in development at the studio or on the streaming platform,” Warner Bros. and HBO Max said in a joint statement in January 2021.
An HBO rep told The Post Wednesday that statement “still stands.”
September 28th, 2022 - New York Post
Rumours are rife in both London and Los Angeles that Warner Bros — which has a new boss after merging with Discovery in the spring — is closing in on a deal with J.K. Rowling over new filmed entertainment.
But my sources in London say that a deal was done at least six months ago and that writers are already toiling on a Potter-related TV series, most likely destined for Warner's streaming service HBO. 'The Potter spin-off is being talked about as a fact by people who work for HBO,' I'm told.
August 18th, 2022 - Daily Mail
At the same time, Mr. Zaslav is looking to make fresh “Harry Potter”-related content for HBO Max—Warner Bros. made all the wizarding franchise’s movies—people familiar with his thinking said, and plans to meet with creator J.K. Rowling in the coming weeks to discuss the matter.
May 18th, 2022 - The Wall Street Journal
It now emerges they want to make a live-action Hogwarts TV series — with a $10 million per episode budget. In January this year they quietly started casting about for writers and concepts for the show, which would stream on its TV affiliate HBO. It could go into production as early as next year.
December 17th, 2021 - Daily Mail
“We would love to develop more original Harry Potter series, and we regularly talk to JK Rowling and her team. It’s got to be right though. Whatever we do has to be true to the canon, and true to the ethos of the Wizarding World, and who Harry is.”
December 15th, 2021 - The Hollywood Reporter
“There are no updates on it [Harry Potter show]. Like we talked about, the IP — that world — is really exciting, and people love it. It would be wonderful to do that. But there is nothing — no series to report. When there is, I will let you know. But nothing to report on that.”
December 2nd, 2021 - Vulture
“There’s this little thing called Harry Potter, which is one of the most beloved franchises. And we’re incredibly thankful to be able to partner with J.K. Rowling and so I would argue there’s a lot of fun and potential there as well.”
March 4th, 2021 - The Hollywood Reporter
A rumour that pops up with some regularity did the rounds again this week, sparked by an ‘exclusive’ story in The Hollywood Reporter, claiming that a Harry Potter live-action TV series is in early development at HBO Max. In the very same article was a statement from HBO Max and WarnerBros clarifying that “There are no Harry Potter series in development at the studio or on the streaming platform.” Despite the rumour mill going into overdrive we can confirm that there are no plans for a Harry Potter TV series.
January 29th, 2021 - J.K. Rowling's Official Website
STATEMENT FROM WARNER BROS. AND HBO MAX: “There are no Harry Potter series in development at the studio or on the streaming platform.”
January 25th, 2021 - Twitter
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that executives at the WarnerMedia-backed streamer have engaged in multiple conversations with potential writers exploring various ideas that would bring the beloved property to television. Sources say broad ideas have been discussed as part of the early-stage exploratory meetings.
January 25th, 2021 - The Hollywood Reporter
“I’ve been an avid Harry Potter fan for years and an admiring observer of how the Wizarding World franchise has been managed. I’m honored to now be leading the very talented individuals and teams who have done such a great job in growing this brand and its meaning and value to fans everywhere. I look forward to going even further in exploring and expanding all of the opportunities we have in this incredible world.”
January 21st, 2021 - Deadline
“I had a source reach out to me re my HBO Max video. It seems Warner Bros IS developing Harry Potter shows but can’t announce until 2022 because CONTRACTS! Universal has the streaming rights until then, but Warner Bros. is trying to cut a deal to end it earlier...
September 18th, 2020 - Twitter
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