As backlash over J.K. Rowling’s stance on transgender rights continues to grow, the controversial author is doubling down on her involvement in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot at HBO — and giving fans a first taste of what’s to come.
While many longtime fans have vowed to boycott the new series due to Rowling’s anti-transgender rhetoric, the author is hyping up those still on her side as the Warner Bros. Discovery project heads into production this summer, with a 2026 premiere date on the horizon.
“I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!” Rowling shared on X, adding that she’s “worked closely” with the show’s writers’ room.
When one follower asked if she’s directly writing the new scripts, Rowling clarified, “No, but I’ve worked closely with the extremely talented writers.”
HBO Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys has previously addressed the controversy surrounding Rowling and whether her politics will influence the reboot. “The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us,” Bloys said during an appearance on The Town with Matthew Belloni podcast. “We’ve been in business for 25 years. We already have a show on HBO from her called C.B. Strike that we do with the BBC.”
Bloys continued, “It’s pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She’s entitled to them. Harry Potter is not secretly being infused with anything. If you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.”
According to Deadline, Rowling was involved in the original pitch process and will executive produce the series through her Brontë Film and TV banner. Bloys confirmed her involvement, saying, “She will be involved. She’s an executive producer on the show. Her insights are going to be helpful on that.”
He added that Rowling’s ongoing controversies are “very nuanced and complicated,” but emphasized, “Our priority is what’s on the screen. Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That’s our priority — what’s on screen.”
Rowling sparked renewed outrage after she publicly praised the UK Supreme Court’s ruling that trans women can be excluded from the legal definition of “women.”
In response, more than 400 individuals signed an open letter demanding the UK film and TV industry take action. Among them was actor Paapa Essiedu — who is now confirmed to play Professor Snape in the upcoming reboot.
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