J.K. Rowling praises HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series after reading scripts, despite ongoing backlash over her anti-transgender views.
J.K. Rowling has given an enthusiastic thumbs-up to HBO’s forthcoming adaptation of her Harry Potter novels, sharing glowing early impressions despite the wave of fan boycotts sparked by her controversial anti-transgender remarks.
In a post on X, Rowling revealed that she “read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!” Although she clarified that she isn’t penning the scripts herself, she emphasized having “worked closely with the extremely talented writers” to ensure the series remains faithful to her original vision.
Production on the multi-season project is slated to begin in summer 2025, with a premiere date set for 2026. As executive producer through her Brontë Film and TV banner, Rowling has been involved in the early pitch process, offering creative insights alongside Warner Bros. Discovery.
HBO Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys noted that her role is not new—HBO has collaborated with Rowling’s work for over 25 years, most notably on the C.B. Strike series produced in partnership with the BBC.
Addressing concerns about whether Rowling’s personal views might infiltrate the beloved wizarding world, Bloys was unequivocal. On The Town with Matthew Belloni podcast, he stressed that “Harry Potter is not secretly being infused with anything” and that what truly matters is “what’s on screen.”
He described the books’ messages of love, self-acceptance and friendship as “incredibly affirmative and positive,” and made clear the adaptation will remain centered on those universal themes, regardless of any external controversies.
Yet Rowling’s vocal stance against transgender rights continues to polarize audiences. Earlier this year, she celebrated a UK Supreme Court ruling that barred legal recognition of trans women as women—an action that prompted over 400 industry figures to sign an open letter calling on Britain’s film and television sector to take a stand against her transphobic statements.
Among the signatories was Paapa Essiedu, who is set to portray Professor Severus Snape in the HBO series, underscoring the complicated dynamics at play when cast and crew members publicly disagree with the author whose work they help bring to life.
Despite the boycott movement, Rowling appears undeterred in building anticipation for the series. By endorsing the scripts and emphasizing her close collaboration with the writers’ room, she aims to reassure fans that the new adaptation will honor the spirit and depth of the original seven-book saga.
At the same time, HBO’s leadership reiterates that their creative alliance with Rowling is longstanding and that their top priority is delivering a faithful, emotionally resonant portrayal of Harry’s journey—one that, they insist, stands apart from any political debates surrounding its creator.
