Rumours that the Harry Potter books were to be turned into a TV series as a reboot of the film franchise have been widely circulating over the last few weeks.
But up until now, fans were unsure how much truth there was to the talks.
Harry Potter is arguably one of the most successful and best-loved literary franchises of all time, with seven books published between 1997 and 2007, selling more than 500 million copies worldwide, and eight film adaptations of the books released between 2001 and 2011 – which is the fourth highest-grossing film series of all time, with $7.7 billion in worldwide receipts.
The success of the books and film franchise changed the life of author JK Rowling, and made household names out of the films’ young cast of actors led by Daniel Radcliffe as the titular character, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley.
The franchise also has one of the most dedicated fanbases there is, and defined life for many growing up in the late nineties and throughout the 2000s.
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The Harry Potter TV series is actually happening and JK Rowling is producing it / Credit: JK Rowling (via Facebook)
Harry Potter has continued to prove enduringly popular around the world, even more than a decade after the last book and film was released – but in the past several years, the series has been somewhat tainted with controversy after author JK Rowling has been strongly criticised for her views on gender identity, and has continued to be publicly vocal in her condemnation of transgender people and the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite this growing controversy, despite the millions of gamers choosing to boycott the new ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ game released only a few months ago, and despite the concerns of fans about turning Harry Potter into a new TV series at such a contentious time, it’s been confirmed by this week that it’s actually happening.
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A Harry Potter TV series is officially in the works – and, not only that, but JK Rowling is set to serve as the series’ executive producer.
Set to be available on HBO Max – which is a streaming service by Warner Bros. – the Harry Potter series could be on air for up to a decade, will be a “faithful adaptation” of the books about the wizarding world, and will feature a different cast to the films – with producers saying each season promises to be “authentic to the original books” and bring Harry Potter to new audiences.
HBO Max has assured fans that the original Harry Potter films will remain “at the core” of the franchise.
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It’s been revealed that film producer David Heyman, who famously produced all eight films in the movie franchise, is also in talks to work on the TV series.
Speaking on the news that the Harry Potter TV series is actually happening, Casey Bloys – Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content – said: “We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way.
“Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the wizarding world.
“In partnership with Warner Bros. Television and JK Rowling, this new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.”
JK Rowling says she is “looking forward” to the new TV series, adding that the “new adaptation will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series”.
Featured Image – Warner Bros.
TV & Showbiz
Jamie Carragher fires back at journalist after being turned away from Etihad away end
Danny Jones
Jamie Carragher has fired back at a tabloid journalist after he reported on the ex-footballer being turned away from the Borussia Dortmund away end during their meeting against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this week.
The former Liverpool and England player was reporting on the Champions League match as part of his usual ‘Golazo’ duties for the US on Wednesday, 5 November, and was hoping to join in with travelling fans during the game.
Carragher became part of the ‘yellow wall’ last year during their UCL fixture against Chelsea, being adopted as a Dortmund supporter for the day, but was not granted the same privilege upon arriving at the Etihad this time around.
Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan wrote a piece explaining how the working presenter was turned away due to safety concerns raised by security at Man City, but the 47-year-old has now given his own retort.
Just trying to have a good time with the Dortmund fans Mike, it was no problem it wasn’t allowed. Next time message me & I’ll tell you all you need to know, rather than Simon at Man City giving you a story. Probably explains why you’re so sympathetic around the 115 charges.
As you can see, the retired defender turned Sky Sports and CBS pundit was less than pleased with the piece, clarifying that there was “no problem” over the decision, asking instead why he didn’t contact him directly for a comment.
In addition to seemingly naming names, he also couldn’t resist the urge as a rival Red to take a jab at City’s ever-looming FFP breaches, suggesting that the outlet has been somewhat biased in its coverage of the ongoing saga.
However, Keegan didn’t let the spat pass without his own right of reply.
Reacting directly underneath the response, the sports writer added: “I already knew the facts, Jamie, but you clearly don’t.
“Next time you’re covering a game at City, you should probably apologise to Simon for wrongly accusing him of being the source on the story.”
Either way, this is as far as Carragher got on his way to the ground:
While it is still unclear as to who exactly ‘Carra’ and Keegan are referring to in their exchange, many have speculated that it could be Simon Pearce: a non-executive director at the club and part of the CFG (City Football Group) board; he has been tied to the ongoing allegations of financial deception.
Onto the action pitchside, not only did scoring machine Erling Haaland come back to haunt his former team once again, but the Blues ran, maybe not riot, but much closer to their vintage best, with Stockport’s very own bagging a brace and Rayan Cherki scoring his first UCL goal under Pep Guardiola.
A Queer Eye favourite is bringing his first-ever UK comedy tour here to Manchester
Danny Jones
A much-loved member of the Queer Eye cast is set to embark on his debut UK comedy tour and is bringing his live stand-up gig to Manchester crowds.
If you’ve ever seen the successful Netflix reboot of the original Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, which aired its first season back in 2003, you’ll know that one of the biggest characters on the show is Jonathan Van Ness.
Known as the grooming expert on the series, Van Ness is just as popular a TV personality among fans as he is on the programme and in the entertainment industry itself.
He’s also got a pretty decent funny bone on him, too, and we’re glad to see he’s finally bringing his comic chops across the pond.
This is by no means the first time ‘JvN’ has leaned into the comedic side of his talents, having previously worked on the cult favourite digital web series Gay of Thrones, as well as his own Netflix documentary, Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, which also has plenty of humour.
It’s also not his inaugural hour of stand-up either, as he released his maiden special, Fun & Slutty with Jonathan Van Ness, in his hometown of Austin, Texas, this past December.
Since then, he’s also started his own podcast called Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness – available via BBC Sounds – which also features a fair few jokes every week.
Put simply, the 38-year-old hairstylist and presenter is much more than that: he’s becoming an increasingly convincing jack of all trades, and we’re absolutely here for it.
You can hear the kind of material he last put out down below.
My first live comedy special is here! Mom worked so hard on this and is so excited to share her with you! You can watch her now on @Veeps: https://t.co/1i0vLvuT02 (on web, TV app, mobile, wherever!!) Plz share, watch w friends, tell your friends!! pic.twitter.com/b9n8PcmrfO
Speaking of his multi-talentedness, the Emmy-winning television personality, three-time New York Times best-selling author, podcaster, founder of JVN Hair AND now comedian might be one of the most prolific public figures on the planet at the moment.
He’s already sold out two critically acclaimed global tours, and with a whole new raft of European dates now announced, Jonathan’s UK and Ireland leg is sure to do the same.
Emily Sergeant -
14th April 2023 
