Last month, a new tranche of information came out about the new Harry Potter TV series coming next year to HBO Max through Warner Brothers. The show is a major deal, and is the first attempt at retelling the Harry Potter story since the final installment of the film series in 2011. Last month’s update was less focused on the content of the series, but rather speaking on the hype that the show is generating and the quality of the production so far. What is most interesting about this set of quotes expressing the quality of the show is its timing this month as the WB merger deals enter the final stage of its negotiations with Paramount.
There are two main ways to look at this news in relation to the merger. The first is to ensure the project continues and that Paramount will continue to fund the show after WB’s acquisition. The second way to see this news is to continue generating hype and creating a reminder of value for the purchasing party/parties.
The latter option seems to be more likely as the general energy around much of the production as well as the photos they have released seems like the focus is on recognisability over a new original project. Of the few photos released by production, they offer a very similar look to the original, especially the photo of Hagrid.
With the photos and visual similarities, they are also taking a similar approach to the originals with hiring Hans Zimmer, the premier Hollywood composer working today. This mirrors the hiring of John Williams when creating the original films a few decades ago.
The studio is claiming that the adaptation will be much more faithful to the books, and as a series they have the space to do that. Being someone who has only watched the films, I am excited to see more of the world and possibly some of the weirder aspects of the books that needed to be cut from the films.
WB / HBO
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However, personally I am disappointed that the photos and game plan are so similar to the original films so far. There is plenty of time for me to be proven wrong, but so far I am not gripped by the similar imagery.
Alongside this, Daniel Radcliff, the original actor for Harry Potter, has come out and said that he hopes he is not mentioned in the production or press to the new youth actors. I very much appreciate this take and hope that it is applied broadly within the production, trying to adapt the books instead of recreate the success of the films.
A direct adaptation of the books and an attempt to stray away has its own issues within the current context of streaming services. Of course there is the complication of the upcoming WB merger, but more broadly, streamers are facing both rising prices (in the case of HBO Max) and falling numbers (in the case of Disney Plus and Netflix). With this, the Harry Potter series faces an adaptation dilemma. Do they create a show that is reminiscent of the movies to recapture the now adult fans of the series, or do they create a direct adaptation that will capture a new, younger audience?
The decision is not easy as both have their benefits. Recapturing the old audience as a priority helps in the short term as they have more disposable income and perhaps children of their own. Creating a series that is more fresh will help capture more young people but perhaps alienate the old audience who are more willing to accept the familiar (I mean we are talking about a reboot here).
A more cynical look at the recognisability could be related to the already built Harry Potter Worlds in both Orlando and Los Angeles at Universal Studios. Those parks will get a significant new wave of hype from the TV series, meaning that if the show were to stray too far, it would alienate audiences that would then go to spend money at Universal Studios.
Edward Phillips
Sources:
- ‘Harry Potter’ Series Set to Be the ‘Streaming Event of the Decade,’ Says Warner Bros. Discovery Streaming Boss
- Everything We Know About the Upcoming Harry Potter HBO TV Series
- ‘Harry Potter’: Series to Reveal Teachers’ Personal Lives, Home Life of Draco Family
- ‘Harry Potter’ TV Series Due To Hit HBO In 2027: Everything We Know About The Cast, Who’s Creating It, What J.K. Rowling Says & More
- Disney Plus lost 700,000 subscribers to price hikes, here’s why that won’t stop it doing more
- Daniel Radcliffe Tells Press Not to Always Ask HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Cast About the Original Movie Actors: ‘Just Let Them Get On… It’s Going to Be Different’
- New Harry Potter and Hagrid seen filming HBO series in London for the first time