Harry Potter fans who have been casting spells for years in anticipation of a TV series about a young wizard can finally put down their wands and rejoice.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s new streaming service, Max, announced Wednesday that it has placed orders for the “Harry Potter” TV series based on the novels by British author JK Rowling.
“We are excited to give viewers the chance to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,” said Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, in a statement.
“Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon, and it is clear that there is an enduring love and lust for the wizarding world. said it was a “faithful retelling” of the best-selling book series that spanned the books.
Described as a decade-long series, the upcoming show will be “a new generation of fandom, filled with the incredible details, much-loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years. According to the release, it will be available on Max in the U.S. and around the world, and no timeframe has been given for the show’s release.
Rowling, who has sparked a storm of criticism in recent years for her remarks on gender identity issues, will executive produce the series.
“Max’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of my book is important to me, and I look forward to being a part of this new adaptation that allows for a degree of depth and detail that only feature-length television series offer. I will,” she said in a statement.
Potterheads, a term that refers to big fans of “Harry Potter,” have long addressed authors’ comments on transgender issues. In 2020, she published an essay In it, she said the movement of transgender activists “seeks to erode ‘women’ as a political and biological class and provide cover for predators.”
Rowling denies being anti-transgender, but her statements have pitted fans against each other, with some vowing to stop supporting the Potter series.
The controversy over Ms. Rowling continues, but Harry Potter merchandise continues to sell. Earlier this year, Hogwarts, his Legacy video game, saw him sell over 12 million copies in just two weeks.
Television programming is the newest money-making segment of the Potter universe, including feature films, stage plays, live entertainment at theme parks, studio tours and retail outlets.
The latest entry into the crowded streaming market, Max, debuts next month and costs about $16 a month for the commercial-free version, and less for the ad-supported tier.
Last April, WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc. merged, adding a new media giant to the entertainment industry. Warner Bros. Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav sold the acquisition to shareholders by arguing that the combined company could have a successful app.
