Web Desk: JK Rowling is set to expand the Harry Potter publishing universe with two new illustrated books, as the franchise prepares for a new television adaptation later this year.
Publisher Bloomsbury plans to release the books on Feb. 23, 2027, as part of its Pocket Potters series. The new titles will spotlight Professor Minerva McGonagall and the Weasley twins, Fred and George.
The releases will not continue Harry Potter’s original seven-novel storyline. Instead, they will offer younger readers and longtime fans illustrated guides to familiar characters and moments from the wizarding world.
The McGonagall volume, illustrated by Natalie Smillie, will examine the Hogwarts professor’s magical abilities and some of her notable interactions with Harry. It will also explore the concept of a “Hatstall,” a rare Sorting Ceremony result in which the Sorting Hat struggles to place a student into a house.
The second book, illustrated by Helen Brady, will focus on Fred and George Weasley. It will revisit the twins’ time at Hogwarts, including their discovery of the school’s hidden passages, their magical joke business and the similarities that often made it difficult for others to tell them apart.
Both books will contain 32 pages of full-color illustrations.
The Pocket Potters collection already includes guides centered on Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Luna Lovegood and other major characters. Bloomsbury added Hagrid and Dobby titles to the series in August 2026.
The series is designed to introduce younger readers to elements of the Wizarding World while giving existing fans a compact way to revisit established characters and stories.
The new titles will reach shelves as Warner Bros. prepares to bring the original Harry Potter story to television.
HBO’s new series is scheduled to premiere during the Christmas period, with the production expected to retell Rowling’s seven-book saga across multiple seasons. The timing gives the publishing program an opportunity to capitalize on renewed attention around the franchise.
The characters featured in the new books will also appear in the television series. Janet McTeer will play McGonagall, a role previously portrayed by the late Maggie Smith in the film series. Tristan and Gabriel Harland will portray Fred and George, succeeding James and Oliver Phelps, who played the twins in the eight films.
The latest Harry Potter releases also come as Rowling remains a divisive figure because of her public views on sex and gender.
The author has repeatedly described herself as gender-critical and defended comments about transgender issues. LGBTQ+ organizations and several actors associated with the Harry Potter films have criticized her views.
Her involvement with the new HBO series has consequently generated debate around the production. Rowling is serving as an executive producer, while some performers and filmmakers have faced scrutiny over their participation.
Paapa Essiedu, who will play Severus Snape in the television adaptation, has also reported receiving racist abuse and death threats following the announcement of his casting. HBO has responded by increasing security measures for the actor.
The controversy has continued as anticipation for the new series has grown.
Despite the two upcoming releases, readers should not expect a new Harry Potter novel.
The original series concluded with the seventh book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” Rowling has previously indicated that she considers Harry’s central story complete, although she has left open the possibility of returning to the broader wizarding world if the right idea emerges.
The franchise has expanded beyond the novels through films, stage productions and other books. “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” developed for the stage by Jack Thorne from a story by Thorne, Rowling and John Tiffany, continues the story through Harry’s son, Albus Severus Potter, and Draco Malfoy’s son, Scorpius.
For now, however, Bloomsbury’s 2027 releases will revisit characters readers already know rather than introduce a new chapter in Harry Potter’s main literary saga.
With the television reboot approaching and new character guides headed to bookstores, the Wizarding World is once again preparing for a prominent place in popular culture — even as debate surrounding its creator remains part of the conversation.
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