HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” television series will bring in an industry icon to act as the show’s composer. Rather than use the works of John Williams, the composer who scored the first three films focused on the magical wizarding world, the series will employ Hans Zimmer. The 68-year-old composer is renowned for his musical work, scoring massive films like the “Dune” series, “The Lion King” and Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy.
Hans Zimmer Continues the ‘Musical Legacy’ of ‘Harry Potter’
Zimmer spoke with Variety about his upcoming work with the HBO series, calling the “musical legacy” of “Harry Potter” a “touch point for composers everywhere.” He added that he and fellow Bleeding Fingers Music composers Kara Talve and Anže Rozman are “humbled to join such a remarkable team on a project of this magnitude.”
He continued, saying that he, Talve and Rozman “do not take lightly” the responsibility of helming the score of such a cultural touchstone as “Harry Potter.”
“Magic is all around us, often just beyond reach, but as in the world of Harry Potter, you simply must look for it,” said Zimmer.
“With this score we hope to bring audiences that little bit closer to [the magic] whilst honoring what has come before,” he concluded, making it clear that he and his team are dedicated to maintaining the franchise’s integrity.
Along with the “Harry Potter” television series, Zimmer will next score the upcoming “Dune: Part Three” and the third season of “Euphoria.” He recently received a Golden Globe nomination for his work in “F1: The Movie,” also appearing on the Oscar shortlist for Best Score.
HBO Takes ‘Harry Potter’ to the Small Screen
HBO’s “Harry Potter” television series entered development in 2021, per a report by the Hollywood Reporter. However, the media giant did not officially confirm that a “Harry Potter” show was in the works until a 2023 investor meeting.
J.K. Rowling serves as an executive producer on the project, with HBO and Max chairman and CEO Casey Bloys saying in 2023 that the author’s “insights are going to be helpful.”
Actors Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Scout and Arabella Stanton will play Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, respectively. While rumors swirled that Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the “Harry Potter” films, would appear, his involvement in the project has not been confirmed. Lox Pratt will take up the role of Draco for the HBO show. Francesca Gardiner serves as the series’ show runner with Mark Mylod directing.
The newest addition to the on-screen world of “Harry Potter” is set to release in 2027.
