When you launch a new streaming service, you better hope you have plenty of content. Normally, that means the streaming service will have a wealth of content in a popular studio library but also mixing it up with some brand-new original series and films. In the case of HBO Max, the service has the backing of Warner Bros. and all its subsidiaries, but that doesn’t mean that Max is going to rest on its laurels.
As seen in a new report from Deadline, HBO Max is currently developing a variety of series for its service, including a new adaptation of the books that inspired the 1998 film “Practical Magic,” as well as a new teen-focused series from producer Lena Dunham.
“Rules of Magic” is a new series that will be based on the novels by Alice Hoffman that tells the story of three troubled siblings that are dealing with “abnormalities” and their potentially witchy bloodline. “Rules of Magic” comes from creator/producer Melissa Rosenberg, who is probably best known for being the creative mind behind the recent Netflix/Marvel series “Jessica Jones.” As mentioned, the novels were originally made into the film “Practical Magic,” which starred Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock.
The synopsis for “Rules of Magic:”
In this epic, generational family drama set in 1960s New York City, three troubled siblings — Franny, Jet and Vincent Owens — 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. In their aspirational journey towards self-discovery and self-acceptance, they’ll contend with grief, war, bigotry and dark magic, not to mention a centuries-old curse designed to keep them away from love. The two sisters, Franny and Jet, will become the revered, and sometimes feared, aunts in Practical Magic, while their beloved brother, Vincent, will leave an unexpected legacy.
In addition to that series, HBO Max put a new series from producer Lena Dunham into development, which seems to bring her back to the world of female-led stories. Teaming with writer/creator Zelda Barnz (who happens to be 17-years-old), Dunham is working on “Generation,” which is a series focused on telling the true story of teens living in the modern day. The series is reminiscent of Dunham’s own “Girls,” but also the recent HBO hit, “Euphoria.”
Here’s the synopsis for “Generation:”
A dark yet playful half-hour, 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.
“Rules of Magic” and “Generation” are joined by a third series going into development, titled “Red Bird Lane,” which is being labeled as a psychological horror series.
All three are currently in development now and have no official release dates. HBO Max is expected to launch in early 2020.
