HBO has officially announced its plans to adapt Hasbro's beloved fantasy role-playing video game franchise, "Baldur's Gate," into a television series. Leading this ambitious project is Craig Mazin, the acclaimed co-creator and showrunner behind HBO's highly successful "The Last of Us" adaptation and the critically lauded 2019 limited series "Chernobyl." Mazin will assume the roles of showrunner and executive producer for the new series, collaborating with Jacqueline Lesko, Cecil O'Connor, and Gabriel Marano, the head of television at Hasbro Entertainment, who will also serve as executive producers.
HBO Ventures into the World of "Baldur's Gate" with Craig Mazin at the Helm
On February 5, 2026, it was revealed that HBO is embarking on an exciting new venture: a television adaptation of the iconic "Baldur's Gate" video game series. This move comes at a time when the franchise is experiencing unprecedented popularity, particularly with the monumental success of "Baldur's Gate 3." Released in 2023, the latest installment captivated a global audience, attracting more than 15 million players and achieving the remarkable feat of winning all five major Game of the Year awards. This critical and commercial triumph has undoubtedly set high expectations for the upcoming series.
Craig Mazin, whose proven track record with video game adaptations like "The Last of Us" demonstrates his ability to translate complex narratives to the small screen, expressed his profound enthusiasm for the project. He stated that having dedicated nearly a thousand hours to "Baldur's Gate 3," it is a "dream come true" to extend the rich narrative crafted by Larian Studios and Wizards of The Coast. Mazin, a self-proclaimed devoted fan of "Dungeons & Dragons" and the masterful adaptation by Swen Vincke and his talented team, is committed to bringing the world of "Baldur's Gate" and its intricate characters to life with immense respect and affection. He also conveyed his gratitude to Gabe Marano and the Hasbro team for entrusting him with such a significant property.
Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President and Head of Drama Programming at HBO, echoed this excitement, emphasizing the continuation of their partnership with Mazin. Orsi highlighted Mazin's deep and enduring passion for the source material, coupled with his extraordinary talent for constructing immersive worlds populated by compelling characters, predicting "groundbreaking results." Marano also noted the fans' eager anticipation for a "Baldur's Gate" adaptation, expressing his delight in collaborating with HBO and Mazin, whom he regards as unparalleled partners in realizing this fantastical world.
This adaptation promises to be a significant addition to the fantasy television landscape, building upon the rich lore of the "Dungeons & Dragons" universe and the specific narratives established in the "Baldur's Gate" games, which first began captivating players in 1998.
The announcement of an HBO series based on "Baldur's Gate," particularly with a visionary like Craig Mazin at the helm, is incredibly inspiring. It signals a golden age for video game adaptations, demonstrating that with genuine respect for the source material and a creative storytelling approach, these beloved digital worlds can be successfully reimagined for television. Mazin's deep personal connection to the game and his previous successes instill confidence that this series will not merely be a rehash, but a thoughtfully expanded universe that honors its origins while captivating new audiences. It reinforces the idea that true passion and understanding of a franchise are paramount to its successful translation across different mediums, promising an immersive and authentic experience for fans and newcomers alike.