After rumors floating around for months, HBO just confirmed the Harry Potter live-action in a teaser trailer. While it does look quite thrilling, with the original background score striking severe nostalgia in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide, some do seem quite conflicted. It was reported earlier that the initial plan was to reunite the original cast for an adaptation of The Cursed Child as a ninth movie.
However, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe’s alleged unwillingness to collaborate with J.K. Rowling once again seemed to have put it on hold. After that, rumors started spreading of HBO revamping the franchise for a TV series, although no official announcement had yet been made. Well, seems like those rumors were indeed true, with HBO confirming it in the most Wizarding World style.
HBO’s plans for Harry Potter TV Series
Although Harry Potter star Rupert Grint did mention that he is more than excited to reunite with castmates and friends Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson for a ninth movie, it seems their unwillingness has put it on the shelf. Their unwillingness, however, is not exactly unfounded as the author J.K Rowling has been facing a lot of backlash with her blatant transphobic comments over the last few years. Something, she neither corrects herself nor apologizes for.
Insider Jeff Sneider revealed in The Hot Mic podcast that Warner Bros. allegedly tried to buy the movie rights from her to go for the ninth film, however, she demanded an “insane amount,” which made them realize they are stuck with her.
As such, the plans for a revamp of the old movies were made, which too, she reportedly laid down some non-negotiable terms for. However, it seems that the production company and the author did manage to come to terms as it seems like it’s only a matter of time till the series will be out.
HBO Max confirms the Harry Potter TV series
After days of being the talk of the town, it seems the creators are finally ready to let the rumors rest for once. In what has to be one of the most Wizarding World styles, HBO posted the trailer on their Twitter page with no prior notice. Referring to the famous Hogwarts acceptance letter, they tweeted, “Your Hogwarts letter is here.” Mentioning how HBO Max has ordered the first ever scripted Harry Potter television series, they also claimed it as, “A faithful adaptation of the original books.”
Your Hogwarts letter is here.
Max has ordered the first ever #HarryPotter scripted television series, a faithful adaptation of the iconic books. #StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/3CgEHLYhch
— HBO Max (@hbomax) April 12, 2023
Well, as J.K. Rowling is supposed to return as a producer in the series, and one of her main conditions is that the essence of the original books is to be kept at all costs, it is to be expected. As it is expected to be a seven-season series, with each season focusing on one of the books, it is also expected that it will dive deeper into some characters and plots that could not be explored to their original depth due to time management in the movies.
However, fans are extremely conflicted over this announcement as they seem to feel that the original movies should not be touched even with scopes of the series covering a lot more plot depth. It will be interesting to see if their fears turn out to be right, or if they change their stance on the show as it airs in some time.
The release date for the Harry Potter series is yet to be disclosed.
Source: Twitter
