J.K. Rowling 'worked closely' with writers on 'Harry Potter' series, calls first episodes 'so, so, so good'
Embattled author J.K. Rowling has given the first few episodes of HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series her seal of approval, also sharing that she "worked closely" with the series' writers.
"I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!" Rowling shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. She also clarified that she did not write for the series but has "worked closely with the extremely talented writers."
Rowling also serves as an executive producer on the upcoming series, which has been billed as a "faithful adaptation" of the hit novels and blockbuster film franchise.
The author has come under fire in recent years for her transphobic rhetoric and hostile views on gender identity, alienating generations of fans and drawing condemnation from the movie's stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.
HBO has largely dismissed the controversy, stating that they intend to stay in business with Rowling. Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max, assured that the series would not be "secretly infused" with anti-trans rhetoric and that Rowling was ultimately "entitled" to her own views."You know, I've said this before, but the decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We've been in business for 25 years," Bloys said during an appearance on The Town podcast last month. "I think it's pretty clear those are her personal political views. She's entitled to them. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter."
Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin (as the Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter), Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger), and Alastair Stout (Ronald Weasley) have been tapped to the lead the series as the new golden trio. Other notable additions include John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, and Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy.
Francesca Gardiner (Succession, Killing Eve, His Dark Materials) will serve as showrunner, writer, and executive producer alongside fellow Succession alum Mark Mylod, who will direct several episodes. The series is aiming for a 2026 debut on HBO.
Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly
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