HBO and the newly retitled HBO Max – now simply going by Max – are diving back into the world of wizards and muggles with the first-ever Harry Potter series. HBO also confirmed they’re moving forward on the Game of Thrones prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight.
The Harry Potter series, which is expected to run for seven seasons, is described as a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s bestselling book series, with Rowling involved as an executive producer of the Max Original series. “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,” stated Rowling.
Per Max: “The stories from each of Rowling’s Harry Potter books will become a decade-long series produced with the same epic craft, love, and care this global franchise is known for. The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail, much-loved characters, and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over twenty-five years. Each season will be authentic to the original books and bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic, and beloved films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
Harry Potter franchise veteran David Heyman is involved in talks to executive produce. Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts are on board as executive producers.
“We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,” said Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO & Max Content. “Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon, and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World. In partnership with Warner Bros. Television and J.K. Rowling, this new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.”
The second Game of Thrones prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, has George R.R. Martin confirmed as writer and executive producer. Ryan Condal, Vince Gerardis, and writer Ira Parker are also attached as executive producers.
HBO offered this description of the prequel:
“A century before the events of Game of Thrones, two unlikely heroes wandered Westeros… a young, naïve but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg. Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits all await these improbable and incomparable friends.”
