HBO's Harry Potter Season 1 Spent £147.4 Million Mid-Production
A Times report says UK accounts for Plum Jam Productions list £147.4 million spent by the end of 2025, with the final cost likely to rise.
HBO's Harry Potter season 1 had reportedly spent £147.4 million halfway through production, according to a report by The Times. The figure comes from UK annual accounts filed under the name Plum Jam Productions, which list spending of £147.4 million at the end of 2025.
Filming on the first season did not officially conclude until May 2026, so the final cost could be higher than the reported figure.
The report says visual effects by Britain's Framestore are the greatest cost, alongside HBO filming on location. It also suggests the adaptation could surpass the budgets of Warner Bros.' most expensive Harry Potter films.
Release on HBO Max
Harry Potter season 1 is set to be released on HBO Max on December 25. A second season is currently filming.
The franchise began in 1997 with the first novel and grew into a media empire generating over $25 billion in total revenue. Warner Bros. reportedly spent a total of $1.155 to $1.2 billion to make all eight Harry Potter movies, which grossed roughly $7.7 billion worldwide, with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 & 2 reportedly costing $250 million each. By comparison, HBO's Game of Thrones season 1 started with a budget of $50 to $60 million.
Quick answers
When does Harry Potter season 1 release on HBO Max?
Harry Potter season 1 is set to be released on HBO Max on December 25.
How much did Harry Potter season 1 reportedly cost?
According to The Times, UK accounts filed under Plum Jam Productions list £147.4 million in spending at the end of 2025, with the final cost potentially higher since filming only concluded in May 2026.
Is Harry Potter season 2 in production?
Yes, Harry Potter season 2 is currently filming.