HBO is moving full speed ahead with its upcoming “Harry Potter” television adaptation, confirming a second season months before the first even airs. The debut season—titled “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”—is set to premiere on Dec. 25, production on Season 2 began this fall.

Season 1 introduces viewers to Harry Potter (Dominic McLaughlin) as he turns 11 and discovers his place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry—an awakening that brings both wonder and danger tied to his past. The cast also features Arabella Stanton as Hermione, Alastair Stout as Ron, and John Lithgow as Dumbledore.

The long-term plan remains ambitious: one season per book from J.K. Rowling’s seven-part series, stretching across roughly a decade. The second installment is expected to follow the events of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”

Behind the scenes, writer Jon Brown has been elevated to co-showrunner, joining Francesca Gardiner. Explaining the decision, 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 echoed the excitement, saying, “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 series is executive produced by Gardiner, director Mark Mylod, Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman, with Warner Bros. Television producing.

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