Harry Potter: HBO Announces Key Hires for New Series
The Harry Potter HBO series, based on the acclaimed children’s books, is hiring a showrunner and director as its first two key pieces of talent.
The Hollywood Reporter first broke the news yesterday. Francesca Gardiner is serving as the showrunner and the lead writer for the project. In addition, Mark Mylod is directing multiple episodes of the series. The series was announced in April of last year. Since then, Gardiner and Mylod are the first names to join the project.
Your Hogwarts letter is here.
— Max (@StreamOnMax) April 12, 2023
Max has ordered the first ever #HarryPotter scripted television series, a faithful adaptation of the iconic books. #StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/3CgEHLYhch
Both Gardiner and Mylod are Emmy winners for the HBO series Succession, as both were part of the producing team and as a director in Mylods case. Additional credits for Gardiner include the series His Dark Materials and Killing Eve. Meanwhile, Mylod is known for the feature film The Menu, directing episodes of Game of Thrones, and will direct at least one episode of The Last of Us. Both are welcome hires who are bringing needed experience for this new series.
‘KILLING EVE,’ ‘SUCCESSION’ and ‘HIS DARK MATERIALS’ producer Francesca Gardiner has been announced as the showrunner for the new ‘HARRY POTTER’ series on HBO.
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) June 26, 2024
‘SUCCESSION’ and ‘THE MENU’ director Mark Mylod will direct a number of episodes. pic.twitter.com/t09FEqokyR
Harry Potter is one of the most popular book series of all time. It was previously adapted into an 8 film saga starring Daniel Radcliffe(The Lost City), Rupert Grint(Knock at the Cabin), and Emma Watson(Little Women). However, since then the series has mainly been attracting attention due to controversial statements by author J.K Rowling.
A television series based on the books was first rumored in 2021. It will reportedly adapt the book series for the small screen more faithfully than the films. Rowling is serving as an executive producer on the project. However, HBO is attempting to minimize her creative involvement to avoid further controversy. Though previously described as a Max Original, the series will now air on HBO first.
HBO’s Harry Potter is set to release sometime in 2026. In the meantime, you can watch the original 8-film saga on Max.
