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Harry Potter might be coming to the small screen. According to reports, HBO Max has had early development meetings brainstorming a possible live-action Harry Potter TV series. It’s too early to know J.K. Rowling’s possible involvement, but Twitter is already alight with criticism regarding Rowling’s transphobic comments and what it means for the possible show’s future.

The franchise’s eight original films have jumped around the various streaming platforms over the last year. Now that HBO Max is reportedly considering a new original series, will the original Harry Potter movies be on HBO Max?

Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe at the world premiere of 'Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2'
Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe at the world premiere of ‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2’ | Dominic Lipinski/PA Images via Getty Images

A ‘Harry Potter’ live-action TV series is in ‘early talks’ at HBO Max

The Hollywood Reporter reported on Jan. 25 that the beloved book/film franchise could be turned into an original series on HBO’s streaming service. There have reportedly been “multiple conversations with potential writers exploring various ideas,” although Warner Brothers/HBO Max issued a statement to the contrary.

“There are no Harry Potter series in development at the studio or on the streaming platform,” the statement read.

Fans are eagerly sharing their hopes for the possible series’ subject matter. A deep dive into the Marauders (James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew) seems to be a fan favorite topic.

The original ‘Harry Potter’ movies are not on any streaming services

If a Harry Potter series were to happen, it makes sense it would be an HBO production. Warner Brothers both produced the film franchise and owns HBO/HBO Max. But fans hoping to watch Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s adventures while they wait for this possible show will have to look resort to DVDs or renting online, as none of the movies are currently on any streaming platform.

Both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises are currently unavailable for streaming. Harry Potter 1-8 were most recently on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming platform, but they were removed on Nov. 1, 2020. Before that, the films briefly lived on HBO Max from May to October.

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The ‘Harry Potter’ films were removed from Peacock on Nov. 1, 2020, but will return

According to Variety, NBCUniversal owns the rights to the franchise from 2018-2025 as part of its contract with Warner Brothers. Peacock’s customer service Twitter account tweeted at a fan on Nov. 2 that the films will be returning to the platform, though it did not say when.

“We regularly change the content that is available on our platform,” the tweet read. “With that being said, we are excited to share that Harry Potter will be back again soon! Follow our page for updates and do not hesitate to send us a DM if you have any other questions!”

Harry Potter wouldn’t be the only popular book/film series getting a TV treatment. Amazon Prime is currently filming a Lord of the Rings TV series set thousands of years before Peter Jackson’s films take place. The popularity of streaming platform original series has made way for many beloved franchises to be revisited.

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