HBO's Magical Revival: Could Harry Potter Soar to Batman-Level Fame?

Ah, the Harry Potter franchise! It feels like just yesterday that we were introduced to a little boy with round glasses and a lightning bolt scar who didn't quite know he was destined to become a legend. In fact, it's been over two decades since that fateful day in 1997 when the first novel roared onto the scene, and since then, it seems like every conceivable medium has taken a crack at the World of Wizards. Films, spin-offs, video games, theme parks—you name it, Warner Bros. is sprightly marching forward with a very determined twinkle in their eye.

During a delightful little chit-chat with Variety—because what’s better than an interview about a baking show to talk about the future of a magical franchise?—some friendly executives at Warner Bros. shared their grand visions for Harry Potter. Even though it has been nearly a decade and a half since the last film flickered onto our screens in 2011, the Pottersphere shows no sign of waning. In fact, one Warner Bros. executive suggests that Harry Potter could potentially strut around as proudly and prolifically as Batman. Yes, you heard that right—imagine a crossover episode where Harry Potter wears a cape instead of a robe?

The wizard in the Warner Bros. spotlight, Robert Oberschelp, who is in charge of all things consumer-goods related (because who doesn’t want a wand-shaped spatula?), believes this new HBO reboot could brew up a fresh crop of Potterheads. He has a sense of humor that could only belong to someone immersed in the world of fandom: “How many different Batmans are there?” he quips. There’s a certain magic to his words, isn’t there? One can only hope we’ll all soon be uttering the question: “What Harry are you?”

So far, there has only been one Harry Potter: dear, sweet Daniel Radcliffe. He’s the face behind the iconic boy wizard in all eight films. While he's delved into various projects—doing stage work, mystical plays, and everything in between—finding a role that matches the magic of Potter has proven to be no small feat. Meanwhile, Batman has enjoyed a revolving door of actors, each donning the cape and cowl: Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and even Robert Pattinson have had their chance in the Bat-suit. But unless one can perfect a time-turner, the same may not be said for Radcliffe's enduring legacy.

But wait! A sparkling new generation of wizards is on the rise. As September rolled in like a well-placed spell, Warner Bros. announced a casting call for the highly anticipated HBO adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s novels. They assure us they are "committed to inclusive, diverse casting," even if no one seems to quite know who those beloved trio members—Harry, Hermione, and Ron—will be just yet. As they say in the magical world, patience is a virtue… or perhaps a spell gone awry!

After the original series concluded, Warner Bros. did not rest on their majestic laurels. They greenlit the prequel series Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which initially thrilled fans but fizzled over time. The first film was a delight, but the sequels? Not so much. Between controversies surrounding the author and a certain beloved actor’s untimely firing, the magical spark seemed to dim, leaving the future of this series hanging delicately in the balance, like a poorly concocted potion.

However, thanks to the unexpected success of the video game Hogwarts: Legacy, Warner Bros. decided to tap into the nostalgia well and announce an HBO series that promises to explore the books in thrilling, tiny detail. A ten-year plan? That’s more ambitious than planning a banquet for a hundred-house elf reunion! We can expect it by 2026 or 2027, which allows ample time for the world to build up enough anticipation to rival a Quidditch match.

And did I hear someone mention baking? Yes, indeed! Brace yourselves for Wizards of Baking, a delightful competition that’s primed to air on Food Network and Max on November 14. With connections to Harry Potter littered throughout, the show is bound to captivate even the most intrepid food-loving wizard. The Weasley twins themselves, Oliver and James Phelps, are taking on hosting duties! They’ll be whipping up magic one cupcake at a time, filmed right at the Warner Bros. studio in Leavesden, London. Expect guest judges from the original cast, including Bonnie Wright (our favorite redhead Ginny), Warwick Davis (the ever-cheerful Professor Flitwick and goblin Griphook), and Evanna Lynch (a Luna Lovegood who still gives us all the feels).

So, dear Muggles, prepare yourself! The magic of Harry Potter is far from over, and if Warner Bros. has anything to do with it, we’ll be spellbound for many years to come.