Katarzyna Petru
HBO Max is increasingly boldly talking about its serialised Harry Potter, which is set to debut at the beginning of 2027. The production was announced in 2023 as a multi-year adaptation of the seven books by J.K. Rowling. According to the announcements, it will be a project spread over a decade and seven seasons, with greater narrative freedom than in the cinematic films. The authorities at Warner Bros. Discovery suggest that the series is set to exceed the scale of previous productions on the platform. There are even comparisons being made to the biggest streaming hits of recent years. The ambitions are clear: HBO wants to create an event on an unprecedented scale.
“Next level” in terms of films
The head of global streaming at Warner Bros. Discovery, J.B. Perrette, emphasised that the series format allows for storytelling in a way that is unattainable in a two-hour film. Creators are set to delve into previously overlooked plots and expand the world of wizards with greater attention to detail. The studio is promoting the production as the biggest event in HBO Max's history, and possibly even the entire streaming market.
Massive budget and multi-year plan
Although the official figures have not been confirmed, industry estimates suggest costs of around $75–100 million per episode. With 6–8 episodes planned for the first season and seven seasons in total, the overall budget could reach several billion dollars. The series is being produced with the highest production standards in mind, and HBO traditionally aims for 4K HDR visuals and Dolby Atmos sound.
The cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, and J.K. Rowling serves as the executive producer and is involved in the creative process. The author has publicly praised the first episodes of the script.
The Harry Potter series is set to be one of the most ambitious projects in the history of HBO Max. A multi-year plan, a huge budget, and declarations of the “biggest event in streaming” clearly showcase the scale of expectations. The final result will only be known in 2027, but it’s clear that Warner Bros. Discovery aims to produce something that will define the next decade of the platform.
source: Deadline
