HBO defends JK Rowling’s ‘right to express personal views’ after fans complain over author’s role on Harry Potter TV series

JK Rowling has been defended by TV chiefs after her role in a new Harry Potter series met with a backlash because of her views on transgender issues.

The American production company HBO has been inundated with complaints about the author serving as an executive producer on the show.

In a statement it said: ‘We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter – the heart-warming 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.’

While some fans seemed unenthused by the prospect of a TV series, deeming a fresh adaptation ‘unnecessary’, others say they will boycott it because of Ms Rowling’s comments on trans people.

In 2020 she said she believed women were defined by their biological sex and not their gender identity.

A social media user wrote on X, formerly Twitter: ‘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.’

Another wrote: ‘My fellow anti-Harry Potter activists: please, don’t even hate watch the new version when it comes out.’

J.K. Rowling attends ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’ World Premiere at The Royal Festival Hall on March 29, 2022

The HBO chief executive Casey Bloys (pictured) revealed this month that Rowling was ‘very, very involved in the process selecting the writer and the director’

In recent years, Ms Rowling has been ostracised by key cast members of the original films for her remarks about the trans community. Her connection with the actors – including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint – as well as with fans, has deteriorated as the debate has grown more divisive.

The HBO chief executive Casey Bloys revealed this month that Rowling was ‘very, very involved in the process selecting the writer and the director’. He noted her statements ‘haven’t affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff’ for the show.

A spokesman for Warner Bros, HBO’s parent company, said: ‘We’ve been working with JK 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. 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 dive deep into each of the iconic books,’ Mr Bloys said, assuring audiences it will be ‘a faithful adaptation’.

While initial reports suggested each season would cover one book, Mr Bloys has hinted the series could run for ‘ten consecutive years’.

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, J.K. Rowling and Rupert Grint at the premiere for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 in November 2010

An open casting call was announced for young actors to portray Harry, Ron, and Hermione, requiring applicants to be aged 9 to 11 by April 2025. Recognisable faces are being touted for the adult roles, including Mark Rylance as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore.

Warner Bros, which made the original eight Harry Potter films and the Fantastic Beasts spin-offs, previously addressed JK Rowling’s statements in 2020, saying: ‘Fostering a diverse and inclusive culture has never been more important to our company and to our audiences around the world.

‘We deeply value the work of our storytellers who give so much of themselves in sharing their creations with us all.

‘We recognise our responsibility to foster empathy and advocate understanding of all communities and all people, particularly those we work with and those we reach through our content.’