In the quest to bring J.K. Rowling’s magical world to the small screen, the race is narrowing down to three contenders. As exclusively reported by Deadline earlier this month, the search for the writer to adapt the beloved Harry Potter series for Max has reached its final stages, with three finalists emerging.
The potential scribes, namely Francesca Gardiner, Tom Moran, and Kathleen Jordan, are set to refine their pitches over the coming months, with a decision on the coveted role anticipated in June.
The much-anticipated Harry Potter series is slated to enchant audiences on Max in 2026, according to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav.
While representatives for Max and Warner Bros. Television have chosen to remain tight-lipped, sources reveal that the trio of writers, Gardiner, Moran, and Jordan, have been part of the exclusive selection process.
The meticulous search involved talented writers presenting their visions for a live-action Harry Potter TV series during rounds in Los Angeles and London, with Rowling actively participating in the decision-making process.
Zaslav expressed enthusiasm about reigniting the franchise during a recent earnings call, emphasizing the positive collaboration with Rowling’s team. The search may also pave the way for multiple writers to contribute, as Max remains open to exploring diverse ideas within the enchanting world of ‘Harry Potter.’
Francesca Gardiner, known for her role as a consulting producer on HBO’s ‘Succession,’ brings her expertise from projects such as ‘His Dark Materials‘ and ‘Killing Eve.’ Tom Moran, a British writer behind Amazon’s ‘The Devil’s Hour,’ has also contributed to series like ‘The Feed‘ and ‘Wild Bill.’ Kathleen Jordan, creator of Netflix’s ‘Teenage Bounty Hunters,’ collaborates with Jenji Kohan on the upcoming Netflix series ‘The Decameron.’
Produced by Brontë Film and TV, chaired by Rowling’s agent Neil Blair, and Warner Bros. Television, the series is set to be a magical collaboration with Rowling’s Wizarding World, extending its influence from bestselling books to global franchises and theme parks.
As the enchanting journey to bring ‘Harry Potter’ to Max intensifies, fans can anticipate a spellbinding adventure into the wizarding realm when the series finally makes its debut in 2026.
