HBO is preparing a large-scale adaptation of J. K. Rowling's novels from the "Harry Potter" cycle. The story is planned to be stretched over seven seasons of eight episodes each, which, according to the authors, is enough to reveal the events of the books in detail.
At the same time, the series will not be a literal copy of the original. HBO describes this approach as "books plus" — an expanded version of the story. The show will feature scenes and characters that did not make it into the films, as well as new episodes that do not contradict the canon.
However, the expansion will be limited to this. HBO chief Casey Bloys confirmed in an interview with RadioTimes that the project is conceived as a sequential adaptation, not a platform for creating a cinematic universe similar to Marvel or DC.
"Firstly, we're going to be very single-minded, because adapting the books is going to take a lot. So no, it's not a notion of trying to turn it into, you know, DC or Marvel, or something like that. It is just about making these books… getting them on screen."
Thus, at least for the moment, the company has no plans to launch third-party projects like "Fantastic Beasts", with which Warner Bros. once expanded the universe beyond the main saga.
The premiere of the first season of "Harry Potter", based on "The Philosopher's Stone", is scheduled for the end of December 2026.
