What We Know About the Upcoming Harry Potter Series
The wizarding world of Harry Potter is set to return, this time as a television series from HBO, a division of Warner Bros. Discovery. Currently dubbed the Untitled Harry Potter Series, the project lacks an official name but carries immense anticipation. HBO has promised fans a deeper, more faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga than the 2001–2011 Warner Bros. films, staying close to the source material. Yet, tensions between fans and the network are already brewing, and the return of “the boy who lived” may not be the enchanted triumph some hope for. Few recent projects have sparked such fervor or ignited such heated debates—even corners of the internet far removed from pop culture have weighed in on the casting of a Black Severus Snape. Here’s a look at the ambitious, polarizing project, still at least two years from its premiere.
What the Harry Potter Series Will Cover and Its Source Material
HBO plans to adapt all seven of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels, published between 1997 and 2007. Casey Bloys, HBO’s chief, has reassured longtime fans that the adaptation will remain true to the books.
“We’ll dive deeply into each novel, approaching the source material with care and craftsmanship that have become our hallmark,” Bloys said.
A statement from HBO’s streaming platform, Max, echoed this sentiment:
“Each season will stay as true as possible to the original books, bringing Harry Potter and its extraordinary adventures to a new global audience.”
Bloys has clarified earlier speculation that each book would correspond to one season, stating:
“The stories from each of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books will form the basis of a series that will unfold over a decade.”
This suggests at least seven seasons, potentially extending to 2037.
Who’s Behind the Harry Potter Series
The creative team includes notable names. Mark Mylod, known for directing episodes of HBO’s Succession (2018–2023), will helm several episodes, while Francesca Gardiner, also from Succession, will serve as writer, showrunner, and executive producer.
Visual effects will come from Framestore, the British studio behind the effects for all eight prior Harry Potter films. Costume design will be led by Holly Waddington, who won an Oscar in 2024 for her work on Poor Things (2023).
Negotiations with J.K. Rowling proved a significant hurdle, as she retains final say over adaptations. In 2023, HBO secured a deal with Rowling, the details of which remain undisclosed. Rowling will serve as an executive producer, expressing enthusiasm for the project:
“HBO’s adaptation will prioritize preserving the integrity of my books, which matters deeply to me. I’m excited to contribute to a new adaptation that allows for the depth and detail only a series can offer.”
Casting and Actors for the Harry Potter Series
The first confirmed actor is 79-year-old American John Lithgow, who will portray Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. His casting signals a departure from the films’ tradition of exclusively British actors.
British actress Janet McTeer, 63, will play Professor Minerva McGonagall, while 29-year-old theater actor Luke Tallon takes on Professor Quirinus Quirrell. Hagrid, the beloved gamekeeper, will be portrayed by 53-year-old British actor Nick Frost. Paul Whitehouse, 66, will appear as caretaker Argus Filch, having previously played a minor role as Sir Cadogan in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Paapa Essiedu, a 34-year-old British actor of West African descent, has been cast as Professor Severus Snape, sparking significant debate.
The main trio—Harry, Ron, and Hermione—remains uncast or under wraps, though over 30,000 young actors had auditioned by late 2024. The role of Lord Voldemort, aka Tom Riddle, is also undecided. Ralph Fiennes, who played the Dark Lord in the films, has endorsed 48-year-old Cillian Murphy for the part:
“Cillian is a phenomenal actor. It’s a brilliant idea. I’d vote for him myself.”
Murphy, an Oscar winner for Oppenheimer (2023), has not commented on the prospect of committing to a decade-long role.
Daniel Radcliffe, the original Harry Potter, shared his thoughts on whether familiar faces might appear:
“I think their goal is a fresh start, doing things their way, not finding ways to sneak in cameos of ‘old Harry.’ I wish them all the luck in the world and am happy to pass the baton, but I don’t think my presence is needed.”
Fan Controversies Surrounding Dumbledore and Snape Casting
John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore
HBO’s casting track record, lauded for Game of Thrones (2011–2019) and House of the Dragon (2022–present), has stumbled with the Harry Potter series. John Lithgow’s casting as Dumbledore has drawn ire from fans who insist only a British actor—like the late Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in the films—can embody the role.
Lithgow responded with wry humor:
“I’m thrilled and terrified to follow in the footsteps of the great Michael Gambon. I’m not English, though I’ve played one on TV. I’d remind everyone I portrayed Winston Churchill in The Crown and did quite well. It’s daunting, and I know many are upset an American is playing the greatest English wizard. But I’ll give it my all.”
Lithgow’s Emmy-winning performance as Churchill in 2017 lends credence to his ability, yet online debates persist, with another storm brewing over Paapa Essiedu.
Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
Essiedu’s casting as Snape has been labeled by some fans as a betrayal of HBO’s “close-to-the-text” promise, preemptively dooming the series. Critics have called the decision “utter madness” and “disrespectful to the source material,” with some decrying Essiedu’s casting as a Black actor as “repulsive” and “erasing the character’s essence.” They argue other characters could have been reimagined as Black without risking misinterpretation or accusations of pandering.
The backlash also accuses HBO of deliberate miscasting to stir controversy, which some see as unfair to both fans and Essiedu. The shadow of Alan Rickman’s iconic portrayal looms large, making it a daunting task for any actor to step into Snape’s robes.
Essiedu’s casting has ignited a broader debate about racism, bias, artistic liberty, and fidelity to source material. By altering a defining trait of a beloved character, HBO has alienated a vocal segment of fans who feel betrayed by the network and Rowling.
Yet Essiedu has defenders who highlight his acclaimed career. At 22, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, later starring as Hamlet and in King Lear at the Royal National Theatre. His 2016 Hamlet earned critical acclaim and the Ian Charleson Award. On screen, Essiedu shone in Gangs of London (2020–present), earned an Emmy nomination for I May Destroy You (2020), and appeared in Black Mirror’s “Demon 79” (2023).
Supporters argue HBO’s approach is bold, potentially enriching Snape’s arc by weaving in themes of racism. In the books, Snape’s rivalry with James Potter and his brief allegiance to the Death Eaters—akin to white supremacists in the wizarding world—could take on new resonance, illuminating his isolation and moral complexity.
Essiedu remains unfazed by the criticism, posting on social media:
“It’s an honor and a privilege to embark on this journey with such legendary actors. We’re going to deliver something extraordinary. See you at Hogwarts.”
He signed the post: “Professor Snape.”
Criticism of J.K. Rowling and Anti-Fan Backlash
J.K. Rowling has faced mounting scrutiny in recent years, both for her writing and her public stances. In 2025, her relationship with her audience is more strained than ever, fueled by a crisis of confidence in her work. The Fantastic Beasts franchise, where Rowling served as screenwriter, flopped, further eroding trust in her creative output.
The casting announcements, particularly Essiedu’s, have intensified online campaigns against Rowling. Some anti-fans are rallying to sabotage the series, urging others to ignore it entirely:
“Don’t post about this series, even to criticize it. Act like it doesn’t exist,” one activist wrote, aiming to starve the project of attention and revenue.
Whether this boycott will impact the series’ fate remains to be seen, but few projects have faced such preemptive hostility.
How the Fantastic Beasts Failure Shaped the Harry Potter Universe
The Fantastic Beasts series, intended as a five-film spinoff, stalled after three. Only the first, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), was a critical and commercial hit. The sequels—The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) and The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)—disappointed, leading to talk of a franchise in decline and Rowling’s shortcomings as a screenwriter. The series is now on indefinite hiatus.
When the Harry Potter Series Will Premiere and What’s Next
Despite the controversies, HBO sees vast potential in the Harry Potter universe. Filming is slated to begin in summer 2025, with a premiere expected in late 2026 or, more likely, mid-2027.
David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, emphasized the project’s importance:
“We’re deeply invested in Harry Potter. We’ve held talks with J.K. Rowling and her team, and both sides are thrilled to breathe new life into this franchise.”
The series is a critical move for Warner Bros., which has seen declining profits, and for Rowling, whose Brontë Film & TV reported a 74% profit drop in 2022, falling from $9 million to $2.2 million. The stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been a bright spot, earning Tony and Olivier Awards and generating over $330 million from 10 million tickets sold since 2016. Its global success underscores the enduring appeal of Hogwarts.
Zaslav believes the Harry Potter franchise has been underutilized:
“We haven’t done anything with Harry Potter in over a decade.”
HBO is sparing no expense, with Bloys comparing the series’ budget to Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. The latter’s first season cost $200 million, with $20 million per episode, plus $100 million for marketing. Game of Thrones averaged $100 million per season, with per-episode costs rising from $6 million to $15 million by its finale.
Looking ahead, Zaslav hinted at further wizarding world projects:
“We have creative flexibility. While some decisions depend on J.K. Rowling, others we can make ourselves. Work on Harry Potter for Max is in full swing, and we’re open to exploring other ideas.”
With the Harry Potter series, HBO and Warner Bros. are betting big on a franchise that still holds immense magic—provided they can navigate the storms of fan expectations and cultural debates.
