In a significant legal move, British media conglomerate Sky Group has initiated a lawsuit against the U.S.-based Warner Bros. studio concerning the rights to produce a new television series inspired by the Harry Potter books.

Under the deal, Warner Bros. Discovery was allegedly obligated to present Sky with opportunities to co-produce at least four shows per year from 2021 to 2023. Warners called the lawsuit a "baseless attempt" to gain leverage in upcoming negotiations.

Update: A Warner Bros. Discovery spokesperson has now issued a statement in response to Comcast/Sky’s lawsuit:

Comcast and Warner Bros. Discovery are squabbling over HBO/Max's coming Harry Potter series. Specifically, UK broadcaster Sky, owned by Comcast, has sued WBD for the right to co-produce the small-screen adaptation of J.

No magic wand is going to make the latest legal fight Warner Bros Discovery and David Zaslav find themselves in go away, even if Harry Potter is a part of the corporate skirmish. Up against the NBA and Amazon over basketball rights,

Warner Bros.’ celebration over their upcoming Harry Potter series has been cut short due to a pending lawsuit by Sky Group.

"Warner has repeatedly failed to offer Sky the annually required minimum number of contractually qualifying series for its consideration," Sky states.

Comcast’s European pay-TV company Sky has sued Warner Bros Discovery, accusing the entertainment giant of violating an agreement that gave Sky long-term exclusive rights to shows including a new “Harry Potter” TV series.