JK Rowling has been defended by TV bosses after her role in a new Harry Potter series received backlash due to her views on transgender issues.
The American production company HBO has been inundated with complaints about the author as executive producer of the program.
In a statement it said: “We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter: moving books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance.” JK Rowling has the right to express her personal views.
“We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from your participation.”
While some fans seemed unenthusiastic at the prospect of a TV series, considering a new adaptation “unnecessary”, others say they will boycott it because of Ms Rowling’s comments about trans people.
In 2020 she said she believed women were defined by their biological sex and not their gender identity.
One social media user wrote on X, formerly Twitter: ‘This is blatantly stupid. HBO has a history of producing some of the best shows, from The Sopranos to Succession, but appeasing JK Rowling for her extreme views only makes things worse.’
Another wrote: “My fellow anti-Harry Potter activists: please don’t even hate seeing the remake when it comes out.”
JK Rowling attends the world premiere of ‘Fantastic Beasts: Dumbledore’s Secrets’ at the Royal Festival Hall on March 29, 2022
HBO CEO Casey Bloys (pictured) revealed this month that Rowling was “very, very involved in the writer and director selection process.”
In recent years, Rowling has been ostracized by key cast members of the original films for her comments about the trans community. His connection with actors, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, as well as fans, has deteriorated as the debate has become more divisive.
HBO CEO Casey Bloys revealed this month that Rowling was “very, very involved in the writer and director selection process.” He noted that his statements “have not affected the casting or hiring of writers or production staff” for the show.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros, HBO’s parent company, said: “We have been working with JK Rowling and 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 serving as executive producer.
“This new Max Original series will delve into each of the iconic books,” Bloys said, assuring audiences that it will be “a faithful adaptation.”
While initial reports suggested that each season would cover one book, Bloys has hinted that the series could run for “ten consecutive years.”
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, JK Rowling and Rupert Grint at the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 in November 2010
An open casting call for young actors has been announced to play Harry, Ron and Hermione, with applicants must be between 9 and 11 years old by April 2025. Recognizable faces are being touted for the adult roles, including Mark Rylance as the director of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore.
Warner Bros., which made the original eight Harry Potter films and the Fantastic Beasts spin-offs, previously addressed JK Rowling’s remarks in 2020, saying: “Fostering a diverse and inclusive culture has never been more important to our company and to our audiences around the world. world.
‘We deeply value the work of our storytellers who give so much of themselves by sharing their creations with all of us.
“We recognize our responsibility to foster empathy and advocate for understanding of all communities and all people, particularly those with whom we work and those we reach through our content.”