Warner Bros has canceled a planned HBO Max television series centered on the Marauders from the Harry Potter universe after studio executives greenlit a full main-line reboot of the franchise.
The prequel project was already well underway, with three episodes written and casting processes active, according to a report by British media outlet Knight Edge Media. However, Warner Bros chose to abandon the spin-off to concentrate resources on its comprehensive television adaptation of J.K. Rowling's book series.
The discarded series aimed to explore the early lives of key figures during their time as Hogwarts students. This period remains one of the most popular yet least developed eras of Harry Potter lore.
In the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling, the Marauders were an inseparable quartet of Hogwarts students comprising James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. During their school years, the group created the Marauder's Map, a powerful enchanted document capable of tracking every secret passage in Hogwarts and monitoring the real-time location of anyone inside the castle walls.
Their backstory is deeply intertwined with Harry Potter and his parents, Lily and James Potter. While James and Sirius served as foundational support figures for Harry, Lupin later became his Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts. Pettigrew ultimately betrayed the Potter family by becoming an ally of Lord Voldemort, setting in motion the decisive events that resulted in the deaths of James and Lily Potter.
HBO Max Sets Christmas Launch for Main Reboot
With the Marauders project cancelled, Warner Bros and HBO Max are focusing entirely on the flagship reboot, which will adapt each of Rowling's seven novels into a dedicated season. The new television version promises greater depth than the original early-2000s feature film adaptations.
The first season, adapting Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, will premiere on HBO Max on December 25, 2026. The eight-episode opening season will run through the holiday season and conclude on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2027.
HBO Max has released the full broadcast schedule for the eight episodes of season one:
- Episode 1: December 25, 2026
- Episode 2: January 3, 2027
- Episode 3: January 10, 2027
- Episode 4: January 17, 2027
- Episode 5: January 24, 2027
- Episode 6: January 31, 2027
- Episode 7: February 7, 2027
- Episode 8: February 14, 2027
Second Season Confirmed with Main Cast Announced
Production executives have already confirmed a key strategic move by greenlighting a second season prior to the premiere of the first. The second season will adapt Rowling's second novel, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, with filming scheduled to begin next autumn. This multi-season planning reflects Warner Bros' long-term commitment to expanding the magical world on television.
The main trio of Hogwarts students will be portrayed by Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. They will lead an extensive ensemble cast featuring veteran actors in key roles.
John Lithgow heads the supporting cast in the role of Dumbledore, with Janet McTeer starring as McGonagall and Paapa Essiedu portraying Snape. The production team aims to deliver a broader and more faithful television adaptation of Rowling's original novels over multiple seasons.
Original Film Returns to Spanish Cinemas for 25th Anniversary
Ahead of the December 2026 television premiere, the original feature film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone will return to movie theaters across Spain for its 25th anniversary.
The theatrical re-release will take place between August 28 and September 1, aligning with annual Back to Hogwarts celebrations. Directed by Chris Columbus and starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, the film returns to Spanish big screens more than two decades after its original release.
Warner Bros announced that the anniversary screenings will feature previously unreleased behind-the-scenes footage from the original production, projected alongside the movie. Tickets are already available at participating theaters across Spain, with Warner Bros announcing the full list of participating venues.
