Sky has filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros Discovery over an agreement granting it the right to co-produce shows, including a much-anticipated Harry Potter TV series.
The broadcaster claims a deal had been established. This allowed it to partner with Max (formerly HBO Max) on the production of a prequel to JK Rowling’s famed books, and other potential series.
Harry Potter TV Series Deal
According to reports from Deadline, the untitled Harry Potter series is set to air on Max in 2026. It will portray Harry, Ron, and Hermione aged nine to 11, focusing on their lives before their time at Hogwarts.
This development marks one of the most significant extensions of the Harry Potter universe beyond the Fantastic Beasts franchise. The project represents a major opportunity for Sky to be involved in such a high-profile project.
Need Career Advice? Get employment skills advice at all levels of your career
Sky’s Legal Action
Sky lodged its lawsuit in New York on Friday, as reported by the Financial Times.
The complaint stated:
“The loss of the opportunity to partner in the funding and production of the wholly unique and irreplaceable Harry Potter series cannot be completely or adequately quantified.”
Sky emphasized that the damage incurred could not be fully measured. It estimates the value of the lost opportunity to be in the range of “hundreds of millions at the very least.”
The lawsuit hinges on an agreement dating back to 2019 when Warner Bros was still owned by AT&T.
This agreement supposedly provided Sky the opportunity to co-produce content with what was then HBO Max “every year.” The deal was struck a year after Comcast acquired Sky for £30bn, aiming to create an entertainment powerhouse.
Sky’s Official Statement and Ongoing Partnership
A Sky spokesperson said:
“Warner Bros. Discovery is a longstanding partner to our business. In the course of our work together, we have been unable to resolve a dispute over a specific agreement.”
“As a result of exposure to harm and losses, we have initiated proceedings to safeguard our interests and enforce our rights to partner in the production and distribution of highly valuable content.
“We look forward to achieving a swift and conclusive resolution of the matter.”
Despite the ongoing legal dispute, Sky clarified it remains committed to its partnership with Warner Bros Discovery. It stressed customers will still have access to HBO content, like House of the Dragon, The Last of Us, The White Lotus, and Euphoria, along with new releases like Dune: Prophecy.
Warner Bros Discovery’s Response
Warner Bros Discovery has responded to the lawsuit by asserting it intends to fight Sky’s legal action vigorously.
