Sky UK feuds over 'Harry Potter' series.

(Updated at 3:33 p.m. PT with WBD's statement on the lawsuit) No magic wand will be able to tide over the latest legal battle, as Warner Bros. Discovery and David Zaslav find themselves apart, even if… Harry Potter It is part of the corporate skirmish.

Facing the NBA and Amazon over basketball rights, and losing traction on a Venu Sports Streamer launch that was paused in court, WBD today finds itself saddled with a lawsuit from Comcast-owned Sky UK and others over a TV deal that appears to have fizzled out. Contractual karma.

“Warner has repeatedly failed to provide Sky the annually required minimum number of contractually eligible series for consideration,” says the powerful complaint filed Friday in New York federal court over the 2019 deal the two parties signed. “Specifically, Warner was obligated to deliver to Sky at least four shows per year during 2021, 2022 and 2023, but indisputably fell well short of that mark, in certain years only offering barely one eligible series while withholding important, contractually required information necessary.” For Sky to evaluate any potential options it has received.

Read Sky's lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery via TV shows like Harry Potter and more here

Ostensibly, the jury seeking a dossier from Sky accuses WBD of attempting a very clumsy hand trick.

Pretty obvious, isn't it?

However, with more vinegar poured into the companies' wine, Sky's complaint also comes at a time when HBO's long-standing production deals in the UK, Italy and Germany are set to expire in 2025, paving the way for Max's faltering launch in those key territories . These are the same markets that Europe-focused Sky believes are being deprived of enjoying the financial rewards of 20 years of WBD TV series and the breakup of the now five-year deal.

Furthermore, the new lawsuit will likely put the kibosh on WBD CEO Zaslav's charm offensive efforts over the past several years with… Potter Author JK Rowling, though Zas was one of the few Tinseltown types to stick by the writer through her controversial and sometimes confusing views on transgender individuals. It is certain that unless this matter is settled very soon, today's action will at least slow the emergence of the planned “10 consecutive years.” Harry Potter A television series scheduled to premiere on HBO in 2026.

After being essentially blown away by WBD last year when the official announcement was made of what had been long expected Potter The series has been produced, and Sky is now naming Voldemort in the feud.

“This misconduct deprived Sky of its negotiated opportunity to co-finance, co-produce and then exploit all premium Warner content exclusively in the UK and European territories,” the 36-page complaint filed by Euro Pay TV said. Giant countries. “If all that wasn't enough, Warner has now brazenly denied Sky the right to be a partner in Warner's highly valued decade-long TV series adaptation of JK Rowling's iconic novel. Harry Potter novels, are scheduled to premiere in 2026 or 2027. “Instead, Warner has largely ignored the parties' agreement and sought to keep the Harry Potter content for itself so that Warner can use it as a cornerstone for the launch of its Max streaming service in Europe “

For WBD, the reaction today was to question the premise of the Sky suit itself.

“HBO and Max's licensing agreements expire at the end of 2025, and this lawsuit is a baseless attempt by Sky and Comcast to try to gain leverage in their negotiations over our programming beyond that date,” a WBD spokesperson said in response on Friday.

“We know that HBO-branded shows are important to Sky, as evidenced by their desire for more than a year to find a way to renew our agreements, and this lawsuit makes clear that Sky is deeply concerned about the viability of its business if that happens,” added WBD, which is partly owned by John Malone. “We are losing award-winning content.” WBD will vigorously defend itself against this baseless lawsuit as we move forward undeterred with its Max launch plans, including the new HBO. Harry Potter Series in the UK and other European markets in 2026.

However, in case there's any nuance to be emphasized here, the opening charts for the 2019 deal literally say: “For each calendar year from 2021 through 2025, Sky will be offered all eligible HBO MAX original series (and a minimum of four (4)) However) that: (i) is one hour each episode; (ii) is intended to be a multi-season release; (iii) is produced by WBTV or HBO MAX to premiere on HBO MAX; and (iv) is ordered during the applicable year; for the first season (each a “Series”). Sky must select a minimum of two (2) new series each year.

Pretty straightforward, especially for a lawyer like Zass.

In its filing, Sky wants unspecified “compensation and consequential damages” from WBD, as well as a declaration from the court that the deal with the Comcast-owned company has been “breached.” To be very specific, Sky also wants: “An order requiring Defendant Warner to file the application immediately Harry Potter Series for consideration by Plaintiff Sky pursuant to the terms of the co-financing agreement.

However, as is often the case, companies can fight, but they can also coexist for their mutual benefit. Sky, which was acquired by Philadelphia-based Comcast in 2018 for about $40 billion, explained in a statement provided to Deadline today about the so-called Potter suit.

“We continue to work constructively with Warner Brothers Discovery and have a separate agreement in place that ensures Sky customers can continue to enjoy HBO shows, including new seasons, such as Dragon House, The last of us, White lotus and trance, Along with exciting new releases such as Sand Dunes: Prophecy, “And many more for years to come,” a Sky spokesman said on Friday.

WBD, on the other hand, had nothing to say about this latest lawsuit. If the company responds to Deadline's request for comment, this post will be updated. It's worth noting that WBD shares rose 1% in light trading on Friday and then fell slightly hours after news of this lawsuit.

Or as Dumbledore once said and Comcast might quote today: “It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to our enemies, but just as much courage to stand up to our friends.”

Dade Hayes contributed to this report.