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HBO Taps ‘Succession’ Team for Highly Anticipated ‘Harry Potter’ TV Series
A forthcoming Harry Potter TV series adaptation from HBO has sparked considerable buzz, and the studio has turned to familiar faces to helm the project. Known for depicting powerful but flawed families and complex institutional dynamics in their previous work on Succession, Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod have been announced as key figures in bringing the beloved wizarding world to the small screen. This decision suggests HBO aims to capture the intricate character relationships and dramatic tension akin to their acclaimed series, Succession, within the magical realm of Harry Potter.
‘Succession’ Alumni to Lead the Charge
This week marked a significant moment for the Harry Potter franchise as HBO officially unveiled the first casting details for its planned decade-long television endeavor. Francesca Gardiner, a veteran of Succession, will take on the role of showrunner, while Mark Mylod, also recognized for his directorial work on Succession, is set to direct multiple episodes. This pairing of creative talent from the critically acclaimed drama series signals HBO’s high ambitions for this new iteration of the Harry Potter saga.
JK Rowling’s Endorsement
Adding further weight to the announcement, both Gardiner and Mylod will also serve as executive producers, alongside Harry Potter author JK Rowling herself. Rowling, who personally interviewed the duo, expressed admiration for their “genuine passion” for the source material. Following a rigorous four-month selection process, Rowling stated, “Having read Francesca’s pilot script and heard Mark’s vision, I’m certain the TV show will more than live up to expectations.” This endorsement from the creator herself underscores the significance of Gardiner and Mylod’s involvement.
Mark Mylod: From British Comedy to Hogwarts
Early Career and Breakthrough
Born in 1965 in Newton Abbot, a town in southwest England, Mark Mylod’s path to directing was unconventional. Leaving school at 17 with no formal qualifications, he pursued his aspirations in London theatre. Despite initial ambitions to direct, his career began with roles behind the scenes, including a scene changer at Theatre Royal Haymarket and later as a production assistant at the BBC. His early directorial efforts showcased his versatility, encompassing quintessential British comedies like “Shooting Stars” and the popular sitcom “The Royle Family,” the latter earning him two Bafta TV awards.
HBO’s Attention and Transatlantic Success
Mylod’s work on the pilot episode of the original UK version of “Shameless” in 2004 proved to be a turning point, capturing the attention of HBO. This series, set in Manchester, portrayed the lives of a dysfunctional working-class family, resonating with audiences and critics alike. An invitation from HBO to direct an episode of “Entourage” led to a fruitful long-term collaboration. Mylod directed 23 episodes of “Entourage” and also served as executive producer. He replicated this dual role on Showtime’s “The Affair” pilot and the US adaptation of “Shameless.” His portfolio further expanded with directing credits on multiple episodes of HBO’s global phenomenon, “Game of Thrones.”
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Critical Acclaim with ‘Succession’
The partnership between HBO and Mylod reached new heights with “Succession.” Teaming up with creator and showrunner Jesse Armstrong, Mylod directed key episodes such as “This Is Not for Tears,” “All the Bells Say,” and “Connor’s Wedding.” His contributions earned him an Emmy and a Directors Guild of America award. Armstrong lauded their collaboration, stating it was “one of the most fruitful and meaningful I’ve had in my career.”
Diverse Filmography and Directorial Approach
Beyond television, Mylod’s directorial credits extend to films like “Ali G Indahouse,” “The Big White,” “What’s Your Number?” and “The Menu.” He also directed an episode of HBO’s “The Last of Us.” Mylod emphasizes considering the “bigger picture” in his directing, focusing on character development, narrative arcs, and overall tone. His aim on “Succession” was to delve into the layers of seemingly unlikeable characters, revealing their vulnerabilities and inner complexities.
Francesca Gardiner: Writer at the Helm
From Literary Roots to Screenwriting
Francesca Gardiner, like Mylod, is deeply connected to the HBO network. Identifying with the character of Hermione Granger, Gardiner brings a writer’s perspective to the Harry Potter adaptation. Born in 1983 into a family of artists – her mother a classical violinist and her father a renowned conductor – Gardiner’s upbringing was steeped in creativity. She attended Bryanston School and later the London National Film and Television School, where her thesis explored themes of darkness in children’s stories.
Collaborative Spirit and Key Projects
Gardiner’s career trajectory includes serving as a “writer’s friend” on season 2 of “Killing Eve,” bridging the gap between scriptwriting and performance. Sally Woodward Gentle, founder of Sid Gentle Films, praised Gardiner’s communication skills and collaborative approach. Her collaborative nature was further demonstrated during her time on “Succession” as a consulting producer and writer, and on HBO and BBC’s “His Dark Materials” adaptation, where she was an executive producer and writer. Jack Thorne, lead writer on “His Dark Materials,” highlighted her fearless approach to adapting Philip Pullman’s novels.
Vision for ‘Harry Potter’
While specific details of Gardiner’s vision for the Harry Potter series remain under wraps, her writer’s room includes talents from “Killing Eve” and “Briarpatch.” Gardiner has expressed a clear stance against patronizing children and diluting darker elements, suggesting a commitment to honoring the depth of the books. Woodward Gentle noted Gardiner’s strong intention to “honour the books,” suggesting a faithful adaptation is in store.
Anticipating the Tone of Hogwarts
Whether the new Harry Potter series will echo the sharp, cynical humor of Succession remains to be seen. However, with Gardiner and Mylod leading the charge, the prospect of a sophisticated and dramatically rich adaptation of the beloved books is certainly within the realm of possibility, promising a fresh yet faithful take on the wizarding world.