NEWS: HBO'S Harry Potter Finds Showrunner and Director

HBO, in partnership with Warner Bros. Television, has announced the appointment of Francesca Gardiner as the showrunner and executive producer for the highly-anticipated original Harry Potter series. Gardiner, a seasoned professional who has garnered acclaim for her work on HBO’s “Succession,” “His Dark Materials,” and “Killing Eve,” is set to bring her unparalleled creative vision and expertise to this new adaptation. Joining her is Mark Mylod, another industry veteran known for his contributions to HBO’s “Succession,” “Game of Thrones,” and “The Last of Us,” who will serve as an executive producer and director for multiple episodes of the series, ensuring a production of the highest quality.

Currently in the developmental phase, the new Harry Potter series is poised to be made available through Max’s expanding global reach. It is designed to stay faithful to the cherished “Harry Potter” literary universe created by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling. As a testament to the franchise's enduring appeal, the series aims to introduce a new cast to enthral a burgeoning generation of fans while endeavouring to maintain the authenticity of the beloved characters and intricate storytelling that has captivated audiences for more than twenty-five years.

Here are the confirmed creatives attached to this project. Francesca Gardiner is set to take on the roles of writer and executive producer. Mark Mylod will also be serving as an executive producer and director of multiple episodes for HBO. Additional screenwriters and directors are still to be confirmed. This collaboration is set to take place in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. Notably, the series will also benefit from the executive production contributions of J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts of Brontë Film and TV, and David Heyman of Heyday Films. This collective brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the project, signalling an exciting new chapter for the Harry Potter universe.

On X, J.K. Rowling announced the news and confirmed she had read Gardiner's pilot script and heard the director's pitch for the style and tone of the show and approved of both:

“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.”

As of now, there is no information available regarding the casting or production schedule for the upcoming project. Nevertheless, the initial release is anticipated to take place in 2026. While the television adaptation is still progressing, there are plans for another audio production to be unveiled in the coming year. This new release intends to emulate the format of successful audiobooks such as His Dark Materials and A Court of Thorns and Roses, both of which feature a complete radio cast.

Pottermore Publishing and Audible have jointly revealed an ambitious plan to reimagine all seven Harry Potter books through full-scale ensemble cast audio editions, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in audio production. According to reports, the full-cast audio editions are set to commence production soon, with an anticipated release slated for late 2025. While specific details about the cast are yet to be officially announced by Audible or Pottermore, a teaser trailer has offered a sneak peek into the voice cast at work, generating significant excitement among fans.

Check out the trailers below!

I previously shared my initial thoughts on the series when it was first announced and later discussed the rumoured actors being considered for principal roles. Despite my initial scepticism, I've become more optimistic about the upcoming TV adaptation and am even looking forward to the new audiobooks. I will always have a soft spot for the original films, but a TV show has the potential to fully explore the story from the seven books and expand upon the characters and universe.

Hopefully, we'll have some more news in the next announcement that can lead to discussions on the production or casting. In the meantime, we'd love to hear your thoughts on HBO's and Audible's upcoming Harry Potter productions in the comments below!

If you'd like to read my previous HBO Harry Potter TV series articles, check out Thoughts on HBO’s Harry Potter TV Adaptation and RUMOURED Actors Attached to Star in HBO's Harry Potter.