J.K. Rowling is an executive producer on the upcoming television series adaptation of her Harry Potter books, and many fans have expressed their intention to boycott the series in response to her controversial statements on gender. Rowling recently reacted to the news on Twitter, saying she had taken the precaution of “laying in a large stock of champagne.” Fellow Harry Potter film actors have come to Rowling’s defense, though HBO and Max executive Casey Bloys declined to comment on the situation.
The Warner Bros. Discovery streamer officially announced the series on April 12, confirming each book in Rowling’s series will be adapted into a full season of television. A new cast of actors will be assembled to take on the roles of Harry, Ron, Hermione and more. Rowling has been embroiled in controversy for several years now due to her statements on gender, many of which have been slammed for being anti-trans.
The controversy surrounding Rowling has been ongoing for several years, with various actors and fans expressing their opinion on the matter. Helena Bonham Carter, who played Bellatrix Lestrange in four “Harry Potter” films, told The Times UK that backlash against Rowling is “horrendous” and “a load of bollocks.” Ralph Fiennes, who played Voldemort in the films, called the outrage against Rowling “disgusting” and “appalling.”
Bloys, however, declined to comment when asked about how backlash against Rowling might affect the show’s ability to attract new cast members, saying, “That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into. 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.”
The public disagreement over J.K. Rowling’s statements has been a heated topic of discussion for years, but for now it remains to be seen how it will affect the new “Harry Potter” television series. Fans and actors have voiced their opinions on the matter, but Warner Bros. and HBO have yet to comment on the controversy. Only time will tell if the series will be able to attract a new cast of actors and move past the controversy.
