While HBO Max continues to pull already existing content to their upcoming streaming service, they’re adding to their original programming slate as well. Warner Bros. Television has reportedly given pilot orders to three new series for HBO Max including an hour-long drama based on the novel series previously adapted into the 1998 filmPractical Magictitled Rules of Magic, as well as a half-hour drama/comedy titledGenerationand the hour-long dramaRed Bird Lane.
Rules of Magicis based on the novel by the same name written by Alice Hoffman. The New York Times best-selling novel is a prequel to Hoffman’s Practical Magic. The fantasy dramedy was adapted into a film starring Sandra Bullock andNicole Kidmanas the cursed Owens sisters. The new series will explore the earlier lives of the two sisters and their brother who leaves an “unexpected legacy.”
“Set in 1960s New York City, the series follows three troubled siblings - Franny, Jet and Vincent Owens - who wrestle with “abnormalities” that have kept them isolated. But the tumultuous times unearth the extraordinary discovery that they are, in fact, descendants of a bloodline of witches.”
Who better to helm this project thanJessica Jonescreator Melissa Rosenberg? She is set to write and executive produce alongside Dana Baratta (Jessica Jones).Rules of Magicwill be Rosenberg’s first project under her overall deal with Warners. Bros. Television.
Generation was created by 17 year old Zelda Barnz. Zelda’s parents are filmmakers Daniel and Ben Barnz. The partners are behind the Golden Globe nominated filmCakestarring Jennifer Aniston. Daniel directed the film while his husband served as producer. Now, the subject of Ben’s memoir novel, We, their daughter Zelda, is set to serve as the writer and co-executive producer on the project forHBO Max.
“[Generation] follows a group of high school students whose exploration of modern sexuality (devices and all) tests deeply entrenched beliefs about life, love and the nature of family in their conservative community.”
She isn’t doing it alone of course, her father Daniel will co-write as well as direct. Both Daniel and Ben will executive produce under their banner We’re Not Brothers Productions. Joining the family as executive producer will beGirlscreator Lena Dunham with Marissa Diaz as producer.
Keeping within the young adult theme is Red Bird Lane, a YA “morality and psychological horror series.”
“[Red Bird Lane] is about eight strangers who arrive at an isolated house-all for different reasons-and quickly realize that something sinister and terrifying awaits them.”
Although there hasn’t been any more details released, the simple one-sentence description sounds like we might be in store for a series adjacent toHaunting at Hill House.
Red Bird Lanewill come from writer Sara Gran whose filmography consists of story editor for the TV seriesSouthlandand a couple episodes ofChanceandBerlin Station. TV alums John Wells and Erin Jontow will executive produce. Both Wells and Jontow were executive producers of the long-runningShamelessas well as the popularAnimal Kingdom.
HBO Max is set to launch next year with Warner Bros. extensive library that continues to grow. Check back with us for all of your updates. This news comes to us fromVariety.