JK Rowling to produce ‘decade-long’ Harry Potter series

A Harry PotterTV series is officially moving forward at HBO Max, with author JK Rowling set to executive-produce the series.

JK Rowling to executive produce new Harry Potter series from Max, formerly HBO Max. Picture: AFP

A Harry Potter TV series is officially moving forward at HBO Max, with author JK Rowling set to executive-produce the series.

The live-action show, based on all seven books in the series published between 1997 and 2007 will become a “decade-long series produced with the same epic craft, love and care this global franchise is known for”, according to Max, the streaming service that was, until today, known as HBO Max.

“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 25 years.”

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. Picture: Warner Bros

Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO & Max, confirmed JK Rowling “will be involved” with the series as executive producer, despite the author’s controversy-courting statements about transgender rights that have caused fans to boycott the beloved coming-of-age series. “I think her insights are going to be incredibly helpful on that,” Bloys said.

The author was conspicuously absent from the 20th-anniversary reunion special for the first film, which saw the cast and crew reflect on their time shooting the franchise together. While stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have condemned Rowling’s remarks on transgender issues, Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter have defended her.

Daniel Radcliffe with Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in scene from film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Picture: Warner Bros

In addition to Rowling, Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts will also serve as executive producers of the series. David Heyman, who oversaw all eight of the Harry Potter feature films released between 2001 and 2011, is currently in talks to join the project as an executive producer.

“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,” said Rowling.

While details on casting, writing, and a showrunner are yet to be announced, the Harry Potter novels have sold a staggering 500 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 80 languages, making it the best-selling book series in history. The franchise universe of Harry Potter, which includes books, films, theatre shows, and video games, is estimated to be worth AUD $37 billion.