Before HBO's new "Harry Potter" series has even premiered, its set is already facing a prop theft scandal. According to media reports, the production has recently been hit by a string of disappearances involving items like spellbooks, brooms, pumpkins, and wands. The issue has forced HBO to implement stricter management measures, including embedding microchips in certain props to track their daily location and movement.
As first reported by The Sun, HBO has posted notices on the film set featuring a photo of a microchipped broom. The signs warn staff and actors that props are now "being tracked daily" and that all movements will be logged. The notice also clearly states that any prop needing to be moved from its designated area must first receive approval from the props department.
A production source revealed that series executives are furious about the suspected thefts, and HBO is actively scouring resale platforms like eBay for the missing items. Anyone found to be involved could face disciplinary action or even be fired from the production. Given the high collectible value of "Harry Potter" props, the issue of set management has drawn significant attention.
In other news, HBO confirmed yesterday that the "Harry Potter" series has officially been renewed for a second season. While the announcement isn't surprising—the platform had previously stated its plan to adapt the entire book series over multiple years—it further highlights the massive scale of the production. HBO has already brought on a second showrunner to share the workload, allowing post-production on the first season to proceed concurrently with pre-production for Season 2.
The series is expected to premiere around Christmas this year, with the first season's run extending into 2027. However, HBO chief Casey Bloys previously hinted that the production pace might not allow for a new season every year, leading to speculation that Season 2 may not follow immediately in 2027. If there are significant gaps between seasons, this new "Harry Potter" adaptation could potentially continue into the early 2040s before concluding.
via： The Sun