With box office earnings nearing $10 billion total, it’s clear Warner Bros misses being able to rely on theHarry Potterfranchise. Now, according to recent reports, new Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is eager to bring back some of that wizarding magic, including its lauded-turned-controversial author, JK Rowling.
While theFantastic Beastssaga initially earned more than respectable commercial results even when compared to the mightyHarry Potter,The Secrets of Dumbledorefell quite short of expectations with only $379 million collected worldwide on a $200 million budget, thus raising doubts over whether the series will fulfill initial plans for five movies. Zaslav’s arrival is believed to usher in several changes for many Warner Bros. franchises,includingHarry Potter, as the executive has been quick to examine unprofitable projects, hence why it’s no wonder he would also turn an eye to Hogwarts' money-making magic.
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In an in-depth look at how Zaslav’s tenure is kicking into gear, The Wall Street Journal reported the CEO “is looking to make fresh ‘Harry Potter’-related content for HBO Max—Warner Bros. made all the wizarding franchise’s movies." This involves meeting with Rowling in the coming weeks to discuss future prospects. Zalav’s management style has been described as “not particularly patient,” and though no specific projects have been discussed so far, plans could develop into transitioning theHarry Potterfranchise from film to television and streaming.
Rowling has said in the past she doesn’t intend to write any moreHarry Potterbooks. In fact, the author has even taken quite a relatively hands-off approach in the playHarry Potter and the Cursed Child, providing only the general story concept developed further by playwright Jack Thorne. Rowling recently became a topic of conversation due to her exclusion from theHarry Potter: Return to Hogwarts Reunion Special.
The writer’s long-running spell of controversy started back in 2019 when she expressed her support for Maya Forstater, a British woman who was fired on the grounds for expressing the belief that it’s “impossible to change sex,” among other issues, thus triggering the ire of many former fans within the trans community. Since then, Rowling has doubled down on her opinions, fueling thedivide between some emblematicHarry Potteractorsand herself.
Regardless of that, new management handlingHarry Potterapparently doesn’t see the controversy as an impediment to launching new wizarding content, althoughanyone looking to playHogwarts Legacycan find out if Rowling was involved in development before deciding to commit to the game. If Warner conjures up some of that Potter magic once more, it won’t be the last people will hear about Rowling.
