Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) CEO David Zaslav confirmed on Friday that the much-anticipated "Harry Potter" TV series is set to debut on Max in 2026, following a recent meeting with J.K. Rowling and her team in London. The project was officially unveiled during the Max streaming event in April 2023, promising a fresh take on the beloved seven-book series.

The series' development commenced in 2021, according to The Hollywood Reporter. WBD officially approved the series last year, outlining the intention to produce seasons covering all the books and extending the narrative over 10 years.

What to Expect From the 'Harry Potter' TV Series

The new Max Original series aims to delve deep into each iconic book, promising fans a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling's magical universe. Contrary to early reports of one season per book, the project will run for 10 consecutive years, offering an extended exploration of the enchanting wizarding world. Notably, "Fantastic Beasts" will not be part of the series, according to WBD.

The series has been carefully selected, with creatives like Martha Hillier, Kathleen Jordan, Tom Moran, and Michael Lesslie pitching their ideas for the project. Notably, Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on "Succession," is among the finalists. The decision-making process is currently underway, with a final verdict anticipated shortly. 

Casting and Production Details

No actors have been chosen yet. However, Warner Bros. TV Group Chairman Channing Dungey has suggested the possible selection of young actors, particularly for the characters in the initial books who are younger. The return of original "Harry Potter" film stars is uncertain, but the series is open to surprises.

Daniel Radcliffe expressed contentment with staying on the sidelines, emphasizing the need for a fresh start in the series. Additionally, David Yates, who directed the last four "Harry Potter" films and "Fantastic Beasts" trilogy, indicated no ongoing discussions about his involvement in the TV series, expressing excitement about moving on from the franchise.

Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom, mentioned during the "Harry Potter" panel at MegaCon that if he were to attempt a role, he would consider playing Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and werewolf Remus Lupin, paying tribute to David Thewlis, who originally played the role in the films. Lewis acknowledged Thewlis' incomparable portrayal but stated that Lupin would be his choice if he had to pick a character.

READ ALSO: 6 Best Graphic Novels That Transcend Words 

Executive producers will include J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts. Warner Bros. and Rowling's production firm, Brontë Film and TV, are collaborating in producing the series. Rowling's involvement is anticipated to enhance the long-form television adaption in depth and detail.

Fans should expect a huge investment in producing an immersive experience. WBD plans to spare no money in presenting a high-quality production. The show is said to have a scale similar to "House of the Dragon." The actual budget is still unknown. 

Release Date and Streaming Details

The "Harry Potter" series is expected to grace our screens in 2025/26, aligning with WBD's ambitious plans for Max. With three pricing tiers, namely, Max Ad Light, Max Ad Free, and Max Ultimate Ad Free, viewers can choose their preferred streaming experience.

Additionally, the series will follow the House of the Dragon model, which is available not only on Max but also accessible to cable subscribers on HBO. WBD has struck a multi-year licensing agreement with Crave for a range of content, including "Harry Potter," which will be accessible to Canadian viewers.

Zaslav expressed the desire for more Potter-related projects. While certain boundaries exist, the company is keen on exploring additional opportunities within the Wizarding World. The success of the upcoming series may pave the way for further magical adventures.

Initiated a couple of years ago by WarnerMedia, the exploration of a "Harry Potter" TV series gained momentum after the Discovery acquisition. The significance of the "Harry Potter" IP has grown post-merger, with WBD recognizing the vast potential of the magical franchise.

RELATED ARTICLE: Harry Potter' Book Covers Evolved Through the Years, Which is Your Favorite [LOOK]