HBO's much-anticipated Harry Potter series has taken a significant step forward with the announcement of its showrunner and director.
Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on HBO's Succession and His Dark Materials, will serve as the writer and showrunner, while Mark Mylod, acclaimed for directing episodes of Game of Thrones and Succession, will helm multiple episodes.
Both Gardiner and Mylod bring their experience and accolades to the project, having garnered Emmy awards for their contributions to HBO's acclaimed series.
Gardiner's previous projects also include producing credits on Killing Eve and The Rook, while Mylod has also directed for shows like The Last of Us and Shameless.
Originally slated for HBO Max, the Harry Potter series is now part of a strategic move to position it as an HBO original, aligning with Warner Bros. Discovery's broader content strategy, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
This shift will see the series air on the cable channel as well as stream on HBO Max.
Described as a "faithful adaptation" of JK Rowling's beloved fantasy series, the show will introduce a new cast to lead a fresh generation of fans through the magical world of Hogwarts and its enchanting characters.
Casting details for iconic roles previously portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint will be disclosed at a later date, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has set a tentative target for the series' debut in 2026, aiming to capture the essence of Rowling's literary universe while embracing new storytelling opportunities on screen.
Despite controversies surrounding Rowling's public statements, HBO has chosen to focus on the creative aspects of the project.
Casey Bloys, HBO and HBO Max's content chief, emphasised, "Our priority is what's onscreen," sidestepping direct commentary on Rowling's personal views, as per a statement obtained by the Hollywood Reporter.
Executive producers for the series include Rowling herself, alongside Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts from Bronte Film and TV, and David Heyman, the producer of the original Harry Potter film franchise.
Warner Bros. Television and Bronte Film and TV will collaborate on production duties.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.