'Harry Potter' Author J.K. Rowling Bringing 'Casual Vacancy' Miniseries to HBO

J.K. Rowling is about to cast a spell over HBO viewers.

The writer of the bestselling series "Harry Potter" is bringing her novel "The Casual Vacancy" to the premium cable provider for a three-hour miniseries. Rowling will serve as executive producer on the series, which will be written by Sarah Phelps, known for her work on "EastEnders," and directed by Jonny Campbell known for TV series Eric & Ernie.

Rowling's production company of Bronte Film and Television will produce the film with the help of her longtime agent and production partner, Neil Blair.

"The Casual Vacancy" tells the story of an English village known as Pagford, whose townsfolk are at war with one another after the death of Parish Councilor, Barry Fairbrother. The death of the councilor leaves a seat open on the council which causes turmoil throughout the town. Prospective members running for the open chair soon find that their darkest secrets are being revealed to the town through the use of an anonymous online form. The novel is split into seven different parts with varying characters narrating.  

The novel has gone on to sell six million copies worldwide even though it has received mixed reviews from critics.

The production on the miniseries is set to start shooting this summer in South West England. 

The news of this pickup comes after news that HBO has just recently renewed series Veep, Game of Thrones, Looking, Girls, Silicon Valley, and True Detective for new seasons.