SUCCESSION Writer Francesca Gardiner on The Shortlist of Talent For HBO's HARRY POTTER Series
Warner Bros. and Max’s Harry Potter series adaptation is getting closer to landing its creative leader and the shortlist of talent is down to three names. One of those finalists up for the gig is Succession writer Francesca Gardiner. She seems like a solid choice as she has also worked on projects such as His Dark Materials and Killing Eve.
The other writers who have been in the running for the job include Martha Hillier (The Last Kingdom), Kathleen Jordan (Teenage Bounty Hunters), Tom Moran (The Devil’s Hour), and Michael Lesslie (Macbeth, Assassin’s Creed). There’s no word on which of these other two writers are still in the running.
These writers were all commissioned by Max to create pitches for a series reflecting their take on the IP. There may also be an opportunity for more than one of these writers to be involved with the series. The report also says that “Max is open to the possibility of developing more than one idea based on Harry Potter.”
Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling is also very much involved in this pitching process. She previously said: “Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series.”
The series will be casting young actors in the role of the main characters and the series will be released over the course of the next ten years.
Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO & Max Content said in a statement: “We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way. Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World. In partnership with Warner Bros. Television and J.K. Rowling, this new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.”
The Harry Potter series will be produced by Brontë Film and David Heyman, who produced the movies, was in talks to executive produce.
Source: Deadline