Production company HBO has defended JK Rowling after it was announced the Harry Potter author, who’s known for using her social media platform to share controversial opinions on trans people, will serve as executive producer on 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 to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance.
‘JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.’
The decision to adapt Rowling’s novels has faced criticism from numerous fans, with many saying they plan to boycott the project due to the author’s comments on trans people.
A social media user said on X: ‘This is blatantly stupid. HBO has a track record of producing some of the greatest shows, from The Sopranos to Succession, but for them to appease JK Rowling for her extreme views is only making things worse.’
since i no longer work for this company anymore: Fuck HBO and their enabling of transphobia https://t.co/vyvkiMzyJ7
— Jaclyn 🏳️⚧️🎹 (@jackiedotnet) November 22, 2024
While another said: ‘Very cool how a large corporation just said “yeah we’re gonna side with the dangerous transphobe who’s actively contributed to creating an atmosphere of violence and stigma against trans people”. F*** JK Rowling and HBO, this is why trans people are asking to boycott.’
While the author denies she is transphobic, Rowling has encountered backlash from key cast members of the original film series following her remarks about the trans community in 2019, in which she said she believed women were defined by their biological sex and not their gender identity.
HBO boss Casey Bloys revealed earlier this month that Rowling was ‘very, very involved in the process selecting the writer and the director.’
A spokesperson for the HBO’s parent company added: ‘We’ve been working with J.K. Rowling and in the Harry Potter business for over 20 years’ and ‘her contribution has been invaluable’.
The new Harry Potter series, set to premiere in 2026, promises a deeper exploration of the wizarding world.