JK Rowling clarifies her role in Harry Potter HBO series amid proposed boycott
JK Rowling has clarified her role in the upcoming Harry Potter HBO series, as many fans continue to boycott the show due to her anti-transgender viewpoint.
The Scottish author posted an update on the script on X. She wrote, “I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!”
When a fan asked if she was writing the series, Rowling replied honestly, writing, “No, but I’ve worked closely with the extremely talented writers.”
The HBO CEO has previously clarified that their stance on Rowling’s aggressive anti-trans perspective has no impact on her involvement in the show. When asked during an episode of The Town with Matt Belloni about the Harry Potter author, HBO boss Casey Bloys said her politics do not impact their creative work. “The decision to be in business with JK Rowling is not new for us. We’ve been in business for 25 years.”
He continued, “I think it’s pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She’s entitled to them. Harry Potter is not being secretly infused with anything.”
In 2023, Rowling heard news of the planned boycott and mocked it on social media. She wrote: “Dreadful news, which I feel duty bound to share. Activists in my mentions are trying to organise yet another boycott of my work, this time of the Harry Potter TV show. As forewarned is forearmed, I’ve taken the precaution of laying in a large stock of champagne”.
Despite this, many fans refuse to watch the upcoming show because of her involvement. The sentiment extends as far as the actors involved, many of whom have expressed disdain for her views. Paapa Essiedu, who will play Severus Snape, signed an open letter calling for industry action on trans rights, written largely in reaction to Rowling’s comments on the ruling.
Much of the casting for the upcoming series has been confirmed. John Lithgow will take on the role of Albus Dumbledore. Alongside him will be Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, Luke Fallon as Quirinus Quirrell and Frost as Hagrid.
The first series of the new Harry Potter series is expected to be broadcast in 2026 on HBO.
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