It’s Official! HBO Max Is Taking Us Back To Hogwarts With A Harry Potter TV Reboot

The most fascinating Harry Potter story of them all is quickly becoming Harry Potter and the HBO Max TV Show Rumors. Since the streamer, which is partly owned by Warner Bros. (the production company behind the movies), made its debut in 2021, there have been rumblings that a TV series set in the world of the Harry Potter books was in the works. And guess what, fans? HBO Max has now confirmed that it’s actually happening — although details about the potential show's plot remain as murky as the surface of a pensieve.

According to Bloomberg's initial report, the series would be based on J.K. Rowling's best-selling Harry Potter book series, with the show having a proposed seven seasons. Each season would cover events from the books, but it was unclear if the show would follow Harry, Ron, and Hermione through their seven years at Hogwarts or focus on new characters within the wizarding world... until now, that is.

HBO Max released a statement announcing the series, promising the show will be “a faithful adaptation.” For many, the world of Harry Potter remains a childhood touchstone, but it's one that has been marred by Rowling's transphobic comments. Returning to the wizarding world at this particular moment might prove tricky.

Read on for everything we know about the rumored Harry Potter TV reboot so far.

What will the Harry Potter TV show be about?

“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,” reads the series announcement release, adding, “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.”

Although the story of the Boy Who Lived was already adapted into eight successful movies, portions of each book had to be cut to streamline the plot for the big screen. A TV show could potentially restore excised arcs involving Peeves the poltergeist, Hermione's campaign to free the House Elves, and Neville Longbottom's tragic backstory — the absence of which left fans of the books brokenhearted.

Overall, a TV series would create a more immersive Hogwarts experience. But given how well-known Harry Potter's story is, the question of how a reboot series would maintain tension or have an element of surprise if it was a direct adaption of the books remains.

Will Rowling be involved in the series?

While the best-case scenario for many fans would be a new adaptation that didn’t put money into the hands of Rowling, that seems unlikely. The MAX press release specifically includes a quote from the author.

“Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me,” said Rowling in the press release. “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.”

Rowling's involvement is already stirring controversy online due to her transphobic stance in recent years. In addition to penning an essay on her blog that featured disparaging remarks about the transgender community, she said in a 2020 tweet, "If sex isn't real, there's no same-sex attraction. If sex isn't real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives."

Her remarks have sparked a backlash among the Harry Potter community, with several of the film's actors, including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, denouncing her comments. Other actors, including Ralph Fiennes and Evanna Lynch, have defended the author. Her remarks also led to an attempted boycott of the Harry Potter video game Hogwarts Legacy, as reported by The Los Angeles Times.

Will the original cast return?

Unlikely.

“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,” explains the release.

However, there’s still hope that old cast members might reappear in new roles.

How soon could a Harry Potter TV series premiere?

Take a deep breath. It's still in the very early stages. With no showrunner or cast announced, it's unlikely the potential HBO Max series will premiere anytime soon. Potter fans eager to return to Hogwarts will have to settle for rereading the books or rewatching the films until a clearer picture emerges of HBO Max's plans.