We've re-read every book ad infinitum, enjoyed countless film marathons, memorised the spells, dabbled in the odd (read: weekly) themed quiz and even hosted our very own Sorting Hat ceremony (just us? Oh). The wonderful world of Harry Potter has been a constant in our lives for the best part of 25 years now – and we've loved every second. But even the most die-hard Potterhead can attest that a lack of new material has recently meant the fun is increasingly thin on the ground...
Thank goodness, then, for TV studio Max (formerly known as HBO Max), that has just announced some of the biggest news the Wizarding World has seen for a decade: the arrival of brand new Harry Potter TV series. As Dumbledore would put it: 'After all this time?' And as we, per Snape, would automatically respond: 'Always.'
In a statement accompanying the news earlier this week, HBO and Max Content CEO Casey Bloys said: 'Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World. 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.'
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Further details are, for now, being kept firmly under wraps (and/or a Protego spell?) – though according to The Hollywood Reporter, the show is set to take the form of a 'live-action series' that is a 'decade long' and will be 'produced with the same epic craft, love and care this global franchise is known for'.
The studio teased the exciting news by sharing a brief clip on Instagram of a spectacular building resembling Hogwarts, with the caption: 'Your Hogwarts letter is here. Max has ordered the first ever #HarryPotter scripted television series, a faithful adaptation of the iconic books.'
To ensure the adaptation is as faithful to J.K. Rowling's seven books as possible, the studio has brought the author herself on board as executive producer. '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 earlier this week.
The British author is likely to be the only familiar face, however, as it has also been confirmed that the OG on-screen Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe will not be starring in the new show. In fact, Max clarified that the 'series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom'. Here's hoping they're every bit as iconic as the first.
We will continue to update this article as more information comes to light.
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
