At a major event in London, HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery revealed an exciting and ambitious programming schedule for the coming years. The announcement detailed the return of fan-favorite shows, the expansion of beloved franchises, and a push into global content. Highlights include the third season of “The White Lotus,” a new “Game of Thrones” prequel, and the highly anticipated “Harry Potter” television series, signaling a strong future for the network and its streaming service, Max.
Headline Hitters: White Lotus and Harry Potter Take Center Stage
The Emmy-winning series “The White Lotus” is set to premiere its third season in February. This new installment will transport viewers to the luxurious and complex world of Thailand. Adding to the excitement, the cast will feature K-pop superstar Lisa from BLACKPINK and veteran actor Scott Glenn, promising another season of dark comedy and social satire.
Perhaps the biggest news was the update on the first-ever “Harry Potter” television series. The project is planned as a decade-long retelling of the original book series, aiming to introduce the magical world to a new generation with fresh faces.
- Filming Start: Production is scheduled to begin in mid-2025.
- Location: The series will be filmed at the iconic Warner Bros. Leavesden studios in the UK.
- Casting: The team is sifting through over 32,000 submissions to find the perfect cast.
Mark Mylod, of “Succession” fame, is involved in the production and stressed the commitment to finding exceptional new talent. Despite potential controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling’s role as an executive producer, HBO and Max CEO Casey Bloys stated he was “not concerned.”
Returning Favorites and Westeros Expansion
Fans of “The Last of Us” can look forward to the show’s second season, which is scheduled for release later in 2024. Following a hugely successful first season, expectations are high for the continuation of the post-apocalyptic story starring Pedro Pascal.
The “Game of Thrones” universe is also expanding with a new prequel, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” Set to be released in late 2024, the series will explore more of Westeros’s rich history. While details are still scarce, the announcement has already generated significant buzz among the franchise’s loyal fanbase.
Here is a quick look at the upcoming release schedule for these major titles.
| Show Title | Release or Filming Window |
|---|---|
| The White Lotus (Season 3) | February |
| The Last of Us (Season 2) | Late 2024 |
| A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms | Late 2024 |
| Harry Potter TV Series | Filming begins mid-2025 |
Max Broadens Its Global and Original Content
The Max streaming service is set for a major global expansion, with plans to launch in the UK, Australia, and other territories in the near future. This growth is paired with a focus on creating original regional programming.
Building on the success of its first French-language show, “The Confidante,” Max has more French series in development. One upcoming project is “The Seduction,” a modern adaptation of “Dangerous Liaisons” starring Diane Kruger.
In addition, the Spanish-language series “Like Water for Chocolate,” adapted from Laura Esquivel’s novel, has been renewed for a second season. Producer Salma Hayek shared her excitement, stating, “It’s been incredible to see such a powerful Mexican story connect with global audiences.”
Navigating Industry Hurdles with a Strong Future Slate
CEO Casey Bloys acknowledged the recent difficulties the entertainment industry has faced, including the pandemic and the Hollywood strikes that caused production delays.
However, he expressed strong optimism for the future of HBO and Max. “We’ve got a solid lineup for the next two years starting in 2025,” Bloys affirmed, assuring audiences of a steady stream of high-quality content. This forward-looking strategy shows a clear commitment to remaining a dominant force in television and streaming.
