HBO's Harry Potter reboot gets major update for Chamber of Secrets
HBO's Harry Potter revival debuts later this year with an adaptation of the Philosopher's Stone.
HBO has officially renewed the Harry Potter revival for a second season.
The upcoming TV reboot of JK Rowling's wizard saga, which has always been planned as a seven season project, is launching with an adaptation of the Philosopher's Stone this Christmas and now the broadcaster has confirmed plans for the next batch of episodes.
In a statement, showrunner Francesca Gardiner confirmed production for the second season will begin "this autumn", with Jon Brown promoted to co-showrunner.
The duo worked together on Succession and have collaborated on the Philosopher's Stone, and now Brown will have an increased role.
Gardiner said: "As we have laid out our plans for the overlapping production schedules to finish Season 1 by Christmas and to return to production for Season 2 this autumn, it has become clear that bringing on a co-showrunner is the key to maintaining our momentum.
"I’ve loved working with Jon from the very first day we met on Succession through to these recent times together on Harry Potter.
"Not only do I have huge admiration for his writing, but he’s also a brilliant collaborator and a lovely person. We are lucky to have him.”
Brown described his work on Philosopher's Stone as "a joy", and he's excited to do more for Chamber of Secrets.
He added: “I’m incredibly excited to be collaborating with Francesca as co-showrunner.
“It has been a joy to write on Philosopher’s Stone and I’d like to thank Francesca and HBO for putting their faith in me to continue this remarkable journey.
"Seems you’re never too old to get your invitation to Hogwarts.”
The Harry Potter reboot will star Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.
The John Lithgow (Albus Dumbledore), Nick Frost (Rubeus Hagrid) and Paapa Essiedu (Severus Snape) have also been cast.
It was previously confirmed that writing had began on the second season.
HBO and HBO Max chief executive Casey Bloys told The Sunday Times newspaper: “Our goal is to not have a huge gap, you know, especially because the kids are growing.
"It’s not going to be an annual; the show is too big and too massive. But … they’re writing the season two now.”
