JK Rowling has been defended by US production company HBO after Generation Z piled on the Harry Potter author over her views on transgender issues.
The company has been inundated with complaints about Rowling as executive producer of the new Harry Potter TV series.
In a statement to Variety, HBO said: “We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter – the heartwarming books that speak of the power of friendship, determination and acceptance.
‘JK Rowling has the right to express her personal opinions. We remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
The decision to adapt Rowling’s novels was criticized by numerous fans, with many calling another adaptation “unnecessary.”
HBO has defended JK Rowling after Generation Z launched a pile on the Harry Potter author over her views on transgender issues
Based on the author’s books, the famous wizarding world was previously turned into films starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint (pictured 2001). The new Harry Potter series, premiering in 2026, promises deeper exploration
Others have stated that they plan to boycott the project due to the author’s comments about transgender people.
One social media user said on X: “This is downright stupid. HBO has a track record of producing some of the best shows, from The Sopranos to Succession, but appeasing JK Rowling for her extreme views will only make matters worse.”
While another said: ‘Very cool how a major company just said, “Yes, we’re going to side with the dangerous transphobe who has actively helped create an atmosphere of violence and stigma against trans people.” F*** JK Rowling and HBO, this is why trans people are asking for a boycott.”
Another added: ‘My fellow anti-Harry Potter activists: please don’t hate watching the new version when it comes out.’
In recent years, Rowling has faced backlash from key cast members from the original series following her comments about the trans community in 2020, in which she said she believed women were defined by their biological sex and not their gender identity.
She strongly denies that she is transphobic.
Her relationship with the actors – including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint – and with Harry Potter fans has deteriorated as the debate has become more divisive.
HBO boss Casey Bloys revealed earlier this month that Rowling was “very, very involved in the process of selecting the writer and director.”
He noted that her statements “did not affect the casting or hiring of writers or production staff” for the show.
A spokesperson for HBO’s parent company added: “We have been working with JK Rowling and in the Harry Potter business for over twenty years” and “her contribution has been invaluable.”
The new Harry Potter series, premiering in 2026, promises a deeper exploration of the wizarding world.
Screenwriter Francesca Gardiner, known for her work on Succession, will serve as showrunner, with Mark Mylod directing multiple episodes and also executive producing.
“This new Max Original series will delve deeply into each of the iconic books that fans have cherished for years,” Bloys said, assuring audiences that it will be “a faithful adaptation.”
While initial reports suggested that each season would span one book, Bloys has hinted that the series could last “10 consecutive years,” casting doubt on the one-season-per-book format.
Executive producer Rowling wrote of X: ‘I’m really happy to announce our director and writer, both of whom I interviewed as part of the production team
Warner Bros, the production company behind the original films, has confirmed that Francesca Gardiner (L) and Mark Mylod (R), who both worked on the critically acclaimed drama Succession, will be executive producers of the ‘faithful adaptation’.
An open casting call was announced for young actors to play Harry, Ron and Hermione, with applicants required to be aged between 9 and 11 by April 2025
An open casting call was announced for young actors to play Harry, Ron and Hermione, with applicants required to be between 9 and 11 years old by April 2025.
Recognizable faces are touted for the adult roles, including Mark Rylance as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
An HBO representative said, “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will generate a lot of rumors and speculation. As we move through pre-production, we will not confirm details until we finalize deals.”
Warner Bros. previously addressed JK Rowling’s statements in 2020, saying: ‘The events of recent weeks have strengthened our resolve as a company to confront difficult social issues.
‘Warner Bros.’ The stance on inclusivity is well established, and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture has never been more important to our company and to our audiences around the world.
“We really appreciate the work of our storytellers, who give so much of themselves by sharing their creations with all of us.
“We recognize our responsibility to promote empathy and advocate understanding for all communities and all people, especially those we work with and those we reach through our content.”
Meanwhile, Jude Law, who plays a young Dumbledore in Fantastic Beasts, said the franchise’s controversies surrounding Rowling, Johnny Depp and Ezra Miller were “the trifecta of punching yourself in the face.”
Law shared his hopes for another film in the planned five-film series, although Warner Bros. a fourth part still needs to be confirmed.
“I’m just waiting to get the call,” he told GQ.
‘I hope so [it happens]. What we all know about that character’s journey is amazing. There is much more to tell.’