HBO’s New ‘Harry Potter’ Series to Be ‘More In-Depth’ Than the Films, Says Channing Dungey

HBO recently announced that it is developing a new Harry Potter series, based on J.K. Rowling’s mega-selling fantasy books about the young British wizard.

According to HBO’s television boss Channing Dungey, the Harry Potter series will be “a little bit more in-depth” compared to a two-hour film. Dungey described working with J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books as “an unbelievable dream.”

The extended format of the series allows for a deeper exploration of the material, which is the primary motivation behind creating the show.

Back in June, it was announced that Francesca Gardiner (Succession) will serve as the showrunner for the upcoming Harry Potter series, with Mark Mylod (The Menu) set to direct multiple episodes.

Dungey said, “It’s an unbelievable dream, honestly, and as somebody who is a huge fan of books, the opportunity to get to explore them in maybe a little bit more in-depth than you can in just a two-hour film, that’s the whole reason we’re on this journey.”

Currently, HBO is hosting casting calls to find the new Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley for the Harry Potter series.

According to HBO, “The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, replete with the fantastic detail and beloved characters Harry Potter fans have cherished for over twenty-five years — in it.”

In a statement, Rowling said, “I’m truly thrilled to announce our director and writer, both of whom I interviewed as part of the production team. Both have a genuine passion for Harry Potter and having read Francesca’s pilot script and heard Mark’s vision, I’m certain the TV show will more than live up to expectations.”

Rowling will be an executive producer for the series but won’t be involved in day-to-day operations. Gardiner and Mylod will also serve as executive producers alongside Rowling, her Bronté Film and TV partners Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman, who produced the films. Warner Bros. Television and Bronté Film and TV will produce the show.

Filming is scheduled to begin in 2025, but the release date has not yet been revealed.

Source: THR