HBO Developing Baldur’s Gate 3 Series Led by ‘Chernobyl’ Creator Who Logged Nearly 1,000 Hours
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21.08.2026 07:08
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2 min read
HBO has put a large-scale series set in the Baldur’s Gate universe into development. As The Verge reports, the project won’t be a direct retelling of Larian Studios’ hit — viewers can expect a full-fledged narrative sequel that takes place after the events of the acclaimed RPG’s ending.
Craig Mazin has been tapped as showrunner, writer, and executive producer, known for “Chernobyl” and the successful TV adaptation of The Last of Us. His fan credentials back up the choice: Mazin has logged nearly 1,000 hours in Baldur’s Gate 3, completed it on the hardcore Honour Mode, and has been regularly running Dungeons & Dragons campaigns for over 15 years.
A New Party and the Canon Ending Problem
According to PC Gamer, the series will focus on a new group of inexperienced adventurers, whose development the creators compare to leveling up characters from first level in classic D&D. Familiar companions from Baldur’s Gate 3 will remain part of the world and may appear in the narrative as allies, neutral figures, or antagonists.
The main challenge for the writers will be fixing the canon. The variability of Larian’s game allows for dozens of mutually exclusive endings — from the triumphant salvation of Baldur’s Gate to the total enslavement of the world. To continue the story, the creators will have to officially establish one version of the ending as the baseline.
Larian Studios head Swen Vincke has already met with Mazin and positively assessed the showrunner’s deep understanding of the source material. However, the studio itself is not directly involved in the series’ production — HBO and Hasbro Entertainment are handling it.
Original Cast Involvement
Mazin has already begun talks with the original game’s actors. Samantha Beart, who voiced and played Karlach, confirmed to GameSpot the showrunner’s interest in bringing back the original cast.
The format of BG3 stars’ involvement remains flexible: the creators are considering both actors returning to their characters (like Astarion or Shadowheart) and them appearing in entirely new roles — a similar approach Mazin already used in The Last of Us adaptation.
The official cast, filming dates, and release window for the Baldur’s Gate series have not been announced yet — the project is in early pre-production.
