The Harry Potter TV series for Max is one step closer to finding a lead writer. According to a report from Deadline, the three finalists are Francesca Gardiner, Tom Moran, and Kathleen Jordan. The trio will work on their pitches for the next few months, with the final selection expected in June.
Gardiner, who recently worked as a consulting producer on Succession Seasons 3 and 4, was previously reported to be on the shortlist for the creative leader of the Harry Potter series. Moran (The Devil’s Hour) and Jordan (Teenage Bounty Hunters) were also reported to be among the writers presenting pitches to Max and Warner Bros. Television.
The preliminary round of pitches happened in Los Angeles, with the Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, Casey Bloys, and Warner Bros. TV Group Chairman Channing Dungey, spearheading the process. A second round of pitches happened in London. Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has been involved in the search for a lead writer.
There is a possibility that more than one writer may be selected. Deadline states: “Max is open to the possibility of developing more than one idea based on Harry Potter.”
When to Expect the Harry Potter TV Series to Air?
Warner Bros. Discovery President and CEO David Zaslav recently confirmed that the series is targeting a 2026 release date on Max. Each season of the Harry Potter series is expected to adapt one of Rowling’s seven books in the franchise.
Brontë Film and TV, the production company of Rowling’s agent, Neil Blair, will produce the Harry Potter series with Warner Bros. Television. Brontë CEO Ruth Kenley-Letts and David Heyman are in talks to executive produce.