HBO’s announcement that they will be producing a seven-season show reboot of Harry Potter sent the internet into a meltdown - but although the show has been confirmed, there is still plenty for the network to do before filming even begins. So when is the show being released, and what do we know about it so far? Find out all of the details here..
When is the Harry Potter HBO show being released?
Fans will have a while to wait for the show. Since HBO only recently confirmed that the series was in the works, with JK Rowling signed on as an executive producer, there are plenty of things that need to be done before the production even begins, including casting the new generation of Hogwarts students and professors. Following that, filming a series can take months - even years - to do, with HBO confirming that they will be releasing seven seasons over ten years.
As such, it is likely that we will be hearing that the show will be released in 2024 at the absolute earliest, though more realistically it could be 2025 or even 2026.
How will the Harry Potter series follow the books?
It has been confirmed that each season will follow one book in the franchise, beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (or Sorcerer’s Stone in the US) to the final novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Speaking about the adaptation, the book’s author Joanne said: "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." Here are some things we hope are included in the new series!
Who is in the Harry Potter HBO show’s cast?
Although there is no official word, there have been rumours that the Harry, Ron and Hermione stars are already in talks, as well as McGonagall, Dumbledore and Snape. See the rumoured cast list here. It has also been reported that the show’s bosses will be looking for child actors for the new franchise.
MORE: Harry Potter open casting call: could your child be the next Harry, Ron or Hermione?
What is the controversy surrounding the Harry Potter HBO series?
The new franchise announcement received something of a mixed reaction from the public - with some fans being thrilled the series was coming back, while others felt that the original movies didn’t need a reboot and requested other tales from the wizarding world instead.
Some fans were also unhappy with JK Rowling’s involvement in the project due to her controversial views on the transgender community, with some people announcing plans to boycott the series. Speaking about the controversy, HBO’s CEO Casey Bloys said: "That's a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into."
"Our priority is what’s on the screen. Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That's our priority — what’s on screen… The TV show is new and we’re excited about that, but remember, we've been in the Potter business for 20 years. This is not a new decision for us, we're very comfortable being in the Potter business."
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