HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series reportedly makes huge change from films - what to expect from new TV series
The upcoming HBO television adaptation of Harry Potter is set to make a huge change from the films, according to new reports.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the return to the wizarding world, with a new television adaptation on its way. The cast has been announced, with filming beginning earlier this summer, meaning that the show is just on the horizon.
Set photographs have already given Potterheads a glimpse of what to expect from the new adaptation of the popular children’s fantasy book series. This has included period-accurate costumes including shell suits that proves to be a departure from the timeless style of the beloved film series, placing the television adaptation in the early 90s (following the original timeline of the book series).
However, there is another huge change from the films that fans may expect to see in the new series. Fantasy series outlet Redanian Intelligence reports that The Crown and Anatomy Of A Scandal star Tom Turner has been cast as the show’s narrator, a role that did not exist in the film franchise.
If reports are accurate, it appears that the HBO adaption of the series will be as faithful to the books as possible. The original book series uses a third-person narrator to guide readers through the events of the series, meaning that the show may be about to do the same.
The HBO adaptation has already hinted towards the fact that it may be a more faithful retelling of JK Rowling’s stories. There is one season planned per book which in turn leaves much more time to explore more characters and storylines in much more detail.
Fans have reacted to the possible inclusion of a narrator on social media. One person said: “I think if they do it right it would work really well, and give the series a different tone to differentiate it from the movies. I’m imagining the narrator very British and whimsical.” Another fan added: “That’s awesome. Puts real emphasis on it being a book adaptation.”
Meanwhile, another fan was less sure of how the format would work further down the line, saying: “A narrator? I think that would work well with the tone of the first three books, but maybe not the last four books which are geared to an older audience.”
When is HBO’s Harry Potter series out?
As previously mentioned, filming on the series began in the summer shortly after cast announcements were made for the show. The main trio of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger will be played by young stars Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton respectively.
Some huge names have also joined the series including John Lithgow, who will play Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, and Nick Frost, who picks up the iconic role of Hogwarts caretaker Rubeus Hagrid. Other actors who have joined the series include Paapa Essiedu (Severus Snape), Janet McTeer (Minerva McGonagall), Katherine Parkinson (Molly Weasley), and Paul Whitehouse (Argus Filch).
There is no set release date of the show at the time of writing. However, planned release date is expected to be set for sometime in early-to-mid 2027.