LThe first big news is as follows: the Harry Potter television series will be done. After books topping the charts from around the world, eight films and a spin-off divided into three chapters now it will also arrive the first tv series. Here’s everything we know so far…
JK Rowling: «This new adaptation will allow you to deepen the contents of the Harry Potter books»
It wasn’t obvious but JK Rowling’s involvement is assumed, author of the Harry Potter novels and considered among the richest women in the UK. Through the story of the world’s most loved wizard, in fact, the writer and film producer has become a true icon. And she has given to millions of people a story that has become much more than a cult.
Well… JK Rowling (real name: Joanne Rowling, the “K” in the pseudonym is a tribute to her paternal grandmother Kathleen) is working on this new and highly anticipated television series. Her role? She will be executive producer. Instead, she will not occupy the role of screenwriter, as previously assumed.
Indeed, the author herself explained. «The commitment to preserve the integrity of my books is important to me. I can’t wait to take part in this new adaptation that will allow you to delve into the contents of the books, as only a television series can do». In short, the good premises are all there.
The launch of the new streaming platform Max
Confirmation of this project came from Warner Bros. Discovery. And the occasion is important. In fact, announcing the arrival of this awaited television series, another important turning point has also taken place: the birth of the new streaming channel Max. Fans will have to wait a little longer to see the series: at the moment there is talk of a debut on the platform between 2025 and 2026. But apparently the idea is to transpose each of the seven Harry Potter books into a series. Which will thus become “a decade long”.
The HBO Max press release reads: «Each season will bring Harry Potter and his incredible adventures to new audiences around the worldwhile the classic and beloved original films will remain at the heart of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
According to the press release, then, the Max platform – rebranding of HBO Max – will produce the show in collaboration with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. This new streaming service will combine the HBO Max and Discovery Plus platforms and will be available in the US starting May 23.
In these hours a very first image of this new series has been published by Max. in addition toiconic Harry Potter lettering you see, in the background, the famous Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry that we have come to know from the first film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (released in 2001) to the last Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011).
Photo taken in Los Angeles on April 12, 2023 showing the Harry Potter series announcement on the Max streaming platform. Credit: CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images
The accusations against JK Rowling and the positions of some historical actors of the Harry Potter saga
In all these years JK Rowling has ended up at the center of many controversies. The author was recently accused of attacking the transgender community. But on several occasions she wanted to explain herself. And she did it extensively in the podcast The Witch Trials of JK Rowlingtranslated: “JK Rowling’s witch trial”.
Over the last few months, then, even the historical cast of Harry Potter was exposed. And some characters, Daniel Radcliffe ed Emma Watson first of all, they felt the need to dissociate from the author’s statements. “Trans women are women in all respects,” said the interpreter of the wizard.
Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe at the premiere of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2”. (Getty Images)
The actress who played Hermione, however, he added. «Transgender people have the right to live their lives without someone constantly telling them who they may or may not be».
Other actors like Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix in the movie) e Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort), however, have sided in favor of the writer. The latter, for example, declared al New York Times. «It is not an obscene fascist. She is just a woman who says “I am a woman and I want to be able to say that I am a woman” ».
Hermione could be played by a black actress
In any case all these events necessarily required a further reflection with respect to the choice of the cast. And apparently (film critic Jeff Sneider communicated this) the development team will try to guarantee as inclusive a cast as possible. There may in fact be many black people.
The same character of Hermione Granger could be played by a black actress. This thing, among other things, had already happened in the play of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
It is certain, in any case, that the cast will be completely renewed. Max content chief Casey Bloys explained. «Harry Potter is a story about the values of love and acceptance of who you are. This is our priority.” And he added. «We are delighted to offer the public the opportunity to experience Hogwarts in a whole new way. Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear that there is still a love and thirst for the wizarding world of him ».
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