HBO Max is developing a live-action Harry Potter series

A live-action Harry Potter series is in the early stages of production at HBO Max. Executives at the WarnerMedia-backed streaming company have held multiple conversations with potential writers about various ideas for bringing the beloved series to television, sources told The Hollywood Reporter. As part of the early exploratory meetings, a wide range of ideas were discussed, the sources said.

While it has been reported that HBO Max and Warner Bros. executives are meeting to find writers and pitches for a Harry Potter TV series, no writers or creatives have been attached as negotiations are still in the very early stages and no deal has been reached. In a statement to THR, HBO Max and Warner Bros. reiterated: "There is no Harry Potter TV series in the works for the studio or streaming platform."

Expanding the world of Harry Potter remains a priority for HBO Max and Warner Bros., which controls the rights to the series with author J.K. Rowling. Harry Potter is one of Warner's most valuable IPs.

The news that a Harry Potter TV series is in talks is not surprising, given the value of the Harry Potter franchise owned by Warner Bros. Rowling's seven novels have been adapted into eight films, which have grossed more than $7 billion worldwide. Warner also has the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them prequel series, with the third installment set to hit theaters next year, and two more installments likely to follow.

At a time when WarnerMedia (like other groups) is prioritizing streaming services, plans for a Harry Potter series should be seen as a legitimate extension of that. HBO Max, launched last year, is home to all of the company’s most valuable IP. The platform is a streaming destination for DC Comics movies, with multiple TV spinoffs and originals in the works. Friends, Game of Thrones, and all of HBO’s original series, including Sex and the City, are available on the platform.