‘Harry Potter’ Expands Again as J.K. Rowling Confirms 2 New Books
The wizarding world is getting bigger again.
Nearly two decades after the publication of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling’s fantasy franchise continues to expand through new adaptations, merchandise, and publishing projects.
The biggest upcoming release is HBO’s Harry Potter television reboot, which will introduce a new generation of actors to Hogwarts this Christmas. The series is expected to retell all seven original novels, beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and recently received its first (extremely positive) review.
However, the production has faced considerable controversy. Rowling’s involvement as an executive producer has attracted criticism over her views on transgender rights, while several casting decisions have divided longtime fans.
Now, as HBO prepares to bring Harry Potter back to television, Bloomsbury Publishing has confirmed another expansion of Rowling’s literary franchise — with two books scheduled to arrive in early 2027.
J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World Gets Two More Books in 2027
Two additional Harry Potter books will be published on February 23, 2027, as part of Bloomsbury’s illustrated Pocket Potters collection. Both are credited to J.K. Rowling and will focus on characters from the original novels.
The first, Professor McGonagall, will explore the Hogwarts Transfiguration teacher’s history, magical abilities, and relationship with Harry Potter. Illustrated by Natalie Smillie, the 32-page hardcover will revisit several familiar moments from Rowling’s books.
These include McGonagall’s decision to purchase Harry his first broomstick, her ability to transform into a cat, and the meaning of a Hatstall — the term for a student whose Hogwarts house is particularly difficult for the Sorting Hat to determine.
The second release, Fred and George Weasley, will follow Ron Weasley’s mischievous older brothers through their years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Illustrated by Helen Brady, the book will explore the twins’ knowledge of Hogwarts’ secret passages, their magical joke products, and their famously similar appearances. It will also feature 32 pages of full-color illustrations.
The releases will bring the Pocket Potters collection to nine books. The series debuted in August 2025 with guides dedicated to Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger.
Exclusive reveal: Say hello to Professor McGonagall and Fred and George Weasley! 👀 🤩
New collectable Pocket Potters, little character guides to the Harry Potter stories, releasing February 2027. Perfect for kids starting their Harry Potter adventure.
Exclusive reveal: Say hello to Professor McGonagall and Fred and George Weasley! 👀 🤩
New collectable Pocket Potters, little character guides to the Harry Potter stories, releasing February 2027. Perfect for kids starting their Harry Potter adventure. pic.twitter.com/cCQKFqgdkT— J.K. Rowling's Stories (@jkr_stories) August 13, 2026
Professor Dumbledore and Luna Lovegood subsequently received their own editions, followed by Hagrid and Dobby in August 2026. American editions are published by Scholastic, while Bloomsbury handles the UK releases.
Unlike the original novels, the Pocket Potters books are designed primarily for younger readers. Each volume revisits established characters and storylines through illustrations, facts, and details from Rowling’s wizarding world.
The publisher has also emphasized that the guides avoid major story spoilers, allowing children to discover the original Harry Potter books separately.
New Harry Potter Releases Arrive After HBO Reboot Backlash
The announcement comes ahead of HBO’s Harry Potter reboot, which is scheduled to premiere on Christmas Day, 2026.
The series stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. John Lithgow will portray Albus Dumbledore, taking over the role previously played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.
Both subjects of the upcoming Pocket Potters books will also appear in the television adaptation.
Janet McTeer has been cast as Professor McGonagall, succeeding the late Maggie Smith, while Tristan and Gabriel Harland will portray Fred and George Weasley. James and Oliver Phelps played the twins in Warner Bros.’ original eight-film franchise.
Other casting decisions have proved more contentious. Paapa Essiedu, who will portray Severus Snape, revealed that he received racist abuse and death threats following the announcement of his role.
Rowling’s continued involvement has also prompted criticism. Directors Kate Herron and Ally Pankiw previously disclosed that they declined opportunities to work on the adaptation because of the author’s stance on transgender rights.
Despite the controversy, HBO is moving forward with its long-term plans for the franchise. The first season will adapt Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, with subsequent installments expected to follow the remaining books.
The new Pocket Potters releases should not, however, be confused with additional installments in Harry Potter’s original story.
Rowling concluded the seven-book series in 2007 with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The story subsequently continued through Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a stage production developed by Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany.
The play follows Harry’s son, Albus Severus Potter, and Draco Malfoy’s son, Scorpius, whose adventures with a Time-Turner threaten to alter the wizarding world’s history.
Although Cursed Child is sometimes described as the eighth Harry Potter story, it was created for the stage and is not an eighth novel. It has undergone dramatic changes over the years, having been slashed from its original two-part form to a traditional show with a single intermission.
Rowling has previously left open the possibility of revisiting her fantasy universe. During a 2012 interview with Australia’s ABC, she said, “If I had a fabulous idea that came out of that world, because I loved writing it, I’d do it.”
Asked specifically about potential books exploring Hogwarts’ founders or the Marauders, Rowling also said she “always [refuses] to say ‘never’.”
Nevertheless, her official website currently states that no additional Harry Potter books are planned as part of the original novel series.
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