Wizarding World Expanded Universe Announced: “Harry Potter” TV Spin-Off Series Slate
Warner Bros. Discovery announced today that in addition to the Max television adaptation of the Harry Potter novels, an entire slate of Wizarding World spin-offs is on the way. Delving into various aspects of the magical universe in a variety of formats and styles, content is to be produced and released over the next several decades.
That Marauders story everyone has been hankering for? Consider it green-lit. A Harry Potter and the Cursed Child screen adaptation? It’s coming. Hogwarts founders? You got it. These are just some of the projects Warner Bros. has confirmed are now in development, in addition to stories set at each of the wizarding schools around the world, in the years after Voldemort’s defeat, and at the Ministry of Magic. A Voldemort origin story, a Ted Lasso-esque Quidditch comedy, and Diagon Alley-based sitcom are all on the table as well, with content aimed at adults, teens, and children.
Following in the footsteps of franchises like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Wizarding World will also receive an alternate universe What If? series. Might we see Neville as the Chosen One, Harry in Slytherin, and perhaps even Dramione?
Renowned creators have already signed on to be part of the expansive universe. An animated series from Studio Ghibli, helmed by none other than Hayao Miyazaki, is on the way. Wes Anderson is expected to apply his signature whimsy to a series. We can only wonder what story will receive the mind-bending treatment from M. Night Shyamalan.
While some stories will be about new characters, those focused on existing ones will struggle to replace the actors we’ve come to know and love, who may or may not want to reprise their past roles. Reports from Warner Bros. indicate that the company owns many of the actors’ likenesses and may be able use them in perpetuity through artificial intelligence.
“We all know what the true magic of Harry Potter is: profit,” said a Warner Bros. insider. “Other than eleven films, four theme parks, two studio tours, numerous exhibitions, games, and an ever-expanding selection of merchandise, we really have barely tapped into the money tree that is Potter. You can never have too much of a good thing. This story will live on long after any of us, which is why we’re ensuring that content will continue to be made well into the 2060s.”
It sounds like no stone will be left unturned in the magical world. Are you excited? What stories and styles are you hoping to see explored? Will Harry Potter ever be too big?
