HBO Max has hired Succession writer Jon Brown for the second season of its Harry Potter television series to establish a darker tone.
The streaming service brought in Brown to join Francesca Gardiner, who is leading the new television adaptation of J.K. Rowling's fantasy novels. Both writers previously worked together on HBO's acclaimed drama Succession, which won multiple Emmy Awards for its sharp writing. Network executives plan to transfer their shared creative background to the wizarding franchise.
Producers aim to give the series greater narrative depth and maturity starting in season two, catering to viewers who grew up with the original books and feature films and are now adults. Early footage in the show's teaser trailer already previews a darker visual style. HBO Max noted that while the show will not become a satirical drama with magic, it is drawing on top creative talent to craft a more sophisticated production.
Season one release dates
The upcoming debut season adapts Rowling's 1997 book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, which launched the global literary phenomenon centered on Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The first episode will premiere on HBO Max on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026, marking a major holiday release for the platform.
The eight-episode season will air weekly through the winter months, wrapping up on Valentine's Day in early 2027. HBO Max released the complete release calendar for the debut season's eight episodes:
- 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 plans and cast
Production has already confirmed a renewal for a second season, underscoring HBO Max's multi-year commitment to the project. The second season will adapt Rowling's 1998 follow-up novel, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Filming for the second installment is scheduled to begin next autumn, ensuring continuous production between seasons.
The new television version stars young actors Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. They are joined by a prominent supporting cast of veteran actors, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Lithgow is known for his role in The Crown, while McTeer starred in Ozark and Essiedu appeared in I May Destroy You.
HBO Max aims to deliver a broader and more faithful adaptation than previous screen versions. The network plans to explore each of Rowling's original novels in depth across dedicated individual seasons over the course of the long-term series.
Anniversary cinema screenings in Spain
Ahead of the television debut, the original 2001 feature film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone will return to movie theaters in Spain to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The special theatrical re-release will take place across Spanish cinemas between August 28 and September 1, 2026, offering an early celebration before the television series launches in December.
The theatrical run coincides with annual Back to Hogwarts celebrations, an international fan event held every September 1 to mark the start of the wizarding school year. Screenings will include previously unreleased behind-the-scenes filming footage projected alongside the main feature. Warner Bros. confirmed that advance tickets are currently available at participating theaters throughout Spain.
Directed by Chris Columbus, the 2001 movie introduced audiences to lead stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. The trio went on to star in eight feature film adaptations produced by Warner Bros. Pictures between 2001 and 2011, establishing one of the highest-grossing film franchises in cinematic history.
