Harry Potter HBO series

[Justhereforthedrama]

On 25 January 2021, it was reported that a live-action television series has been in early development at HBO Max. Though it was noted that the series has "complicated rights issues", due to a seven-year rights deal with Warner Bros. Domestic TV Distribution that included US broadcast, cable and streaming rights to the franchise, which ends in April 2025.[243] On 12 April 2023, the series was confirmed to be in development, and will be streamed on the new streaming service Max (formerly known as HBO Max).[244][245] On 23 February 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced that the series would debut on Max in 2026. On 25 June 2024, it was announced the series was moved from Max to HBO.[246] The series is planned to adapt one book per season, with seven seasons planned. [247] In November 2024, it was reported that Mark Rylance was the front runner to play Dumbledore in the series. [248]

Now we have the first casting revelation:

John Lithgow 'set' to be new Dumbledore in Harry Potter TV show - BBC News

 

[toastedwoofles]

There's no way it will be John Lithgow. My understanding is they will still be trying to cast British actors and he's American but he's also 79.

I don't want to sound rude but there's no way they could bank on him still being fit to act in 5 years let alone another 10 it's too much of a risk. Richard Harris, the original Dumbledore, was only 72 when he passed and Michael Gambon was 82 so also not far off.

 

[Mark81]

There's no way it will be John Lithgow. My understanding is they will still be trying to cast British actors and he's American but he's also 79.

I don't want to sound rude but there's no way they could bank on him still being fit to act in 5 years let alone another 10 it's too much of a risk. Richard Harris, the original Dumbledore, was only 72 when he passed and Michael Gambon was 82 so also not far off.

I don't think him not being British or irish is as big a deal. He is a bit of an honorary Brit (a bit like Gillian Anderson) and he isn't very 'Hollywood'. Not like it's George Clooney. But yeah he does seem a bit old considering this is aiming for a decade long run.

 

[Justhereforthedrama]

I don't think him not being British or irish is as big a deal. He is a bit of an honorary Brit (a bit like Gillian Anderson) and he isn't very 'Hollywood'. Not like it's George Clooney. But yeah he does seem a bit old considering this is aiming for a decade long run.

He defintiely has the gravitas and whimsy, I cant think of a british actor with the same. But I agree hes too old.

Ive also read some bizarre casting news about Brett Goldstein being tapped for Hagrid and Jessica Hynes for Molly Weasley (which I think is GENIUS)

 

[toastedwoofles]

Well I was wrong

 

[LittleMy]

I’m quite happy with this casting news. He’s a fantastic actor and can definitely pull it off. Plus he’s said he’ll be 87 at the wrap party so this gives me hope that they’re doing a season per year and not this long drawn out crap HBO usually do with their big series’. Realistically they’d have to otherwise the young cast will outgrow their roles.

 

[Justhereforthedrama]

I’m quite happy with this casting news. He’s a fantastic actor and can definitely pull it off. Plus he’s said he’ll be 87 at the wrap party so this gives me hope that they’re doing a season per year and not this long drawn out crap HBO usually do with their big series’. Realistically they’d have to otherwise the young cast will outgrow their roles.

Oh yes, good point, a series a year is a lot though! I think we will get the trio casting over the Easter hols or even this half term. Lithgow is a great start though, shows 'big' actors are still wanting involvement.

 

[LittleMy]

Oh yes, good point, a series a year is a lot though! I think we will get the trio casting over the Easter hols or even this half term. Lithgow is a great start though, shows 'big' actors are still wanting involvement.

I think it could be do-able with the first three books as they’re fairly short and to the point, but the tricky part will be the latter books where so much more has to be included. It could be difficult to cut them down into so many episodes without excluding important parts of the story. Also slightly nervous as Dumbledore’s role does become a bit more physical later (OotP and HBP particularly) and I just hope Lithgow will be up for that at the time.

I agree with you about the trio casting, Easter seems likely. I can’t lie, as a huge HP nerd I’m so excited to see how it’s done. I’ve always thought a tv series was the way to go with it. I can’t wait to watch along with my sons who are just getting into HP. I was 12 when the first movie came out.

 

[Spidey2020]

Intrigued by the series per book. Unless they add stuff from the back story I think 1&2 will be a bit light for content.

There was so much cut from 4 and 5 though . The house elves, obviously Dobby especially (quite annoying in movie) is so much more of a character and his death had so much more meaning in the context of the book.

A bit of Dursley context ‘I lost a sister’ and ‘I don’t think you’re a waste of space’. Hope these bits come through.

Total HP nerd here

 

[Sibz]

I'm really looking forward to seeing Lithgow - Dumbledore in the books was mischievous and whimsical despite being old and wise, which is the sort of characteristics he pulled off well when he played Dick in 3rd rock from the sun. Gambon never read the books and that was very obvious to fans, he never understood the funny side of the character properly.

 

[MammaTubbs]

Lord Farquad playing Dumbledore!?
I'm sure he'll do well but that still gave me a giggle.

Comee onnn for Cillian somewhere PLEASE

 

[LittleMy]

Comee onnn for Cillian somewhere PLEASE

I think he’d be a good Voldemort - definite Slytherin vibes

 

[Spidey2020]

I think he’d be a good Sirius. I always read between the lines in the book that he was supposed to be quite fit.

 

[LittleMy]

I think he’d be a good Sirius. I always read between the lines in the book that he was supposed to be quite fit.

I feel he’s just a little bit too old for Sirius. Canonically, Sirius should be in his early 30’s when we meet him. The movies cast Alan Rickman first (JK’s first choice) who was technically much older than Snape is meant to be in the book, so they cast the other parents around his age. In the books James and Lily died very young - both were 21 when Voldemort killed them.

 

[Lollypad]

I’m really on the fence about getting on board with the new series, but the John Lithgow announcement is exciting. I just want Florence Pugh for Tonks eventually and some age appropriate Potters!

 

[LaBlonde]

I feel he’s just a little bit too old for Sirius. Canonically, Sirius should be in his early 30’s when we meet him. The movies cast Alan Rickman first (JK’s first choice) who was technically much older than Snape is meant to be in the book, so they cast the other parents around his age. In the books James and Lily died very young - both were 21 when Voldemort killed them.

this is honestly one of the things i’m most excited about with the series. i love alan rickman obviously but his casting, like you say, completely threw the marauders out and they were all too old. it threw off the tragedy of how young they ALL still were when the books are going on. and also i’m ready for my boy lupin to look like he did in my head

 

[Spidey2020]

yes the ages were all wrong in the movies but I don’t think JK really thought them through. They had a child and were key parts of the order all by about 20 years old?
James Potter wasn’t a very nice character in the books, I wonder how that comes across.

 

[MammaTubbs]

I fear if the casting rumours are correct, I may be about to have a serious crush on Snape

 

[Ensay]

I’m really on the fence about getting on board with the new series, but the John Lithgow announcement is exciting. I just want Florence Pugh for Tonks eventually and some age appropriate Potters!

Same. With this series and the full cast Audible versions, it really feels like they're squeezing the life out of the franchise.

I know I should give it a go and I will, but I can't help thinking it'd be better to spend money and time on new stories within the HP universe instead of constantly rehashing old stuff.

That's partly while I really enjoyed Hogwarts Legacy - it was a great game in the HP universe while including new characters and stories.

 

[Mark81]

I'll likely give it a go, but I wonder if it will feel very drawn out. I thought the Percy Jackson series felt slow, even though it's a very well made series.