J K Rowling confirms close partnership with writers for new 'Harry Potter' series
Amid ongoing controversies surrounding
J K Rowling
's anti-transgender stance, the author is giving her support to the much-anticipated
Harry Potter
HBO series, slated to premiere in 2026.
Despite a growing boycott from many fans, Rowling remains an outspoken advocate for the show, revealing that she has worked closely with the writers to ensure the series lives up to the magic of her beloved books.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Rowling raved about the first two episodes of the new Harry Potter series, writing, "I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO
Harry Potter series
and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!"
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
An engineer reveals: 1 simple trick to get all TV channels
Techno Mag
Learn More
Undo
The enthusiastic endorsement comes as the project enters its production phase, with Warner Bros. Discovery gearing up to bring the wizarding world to the small screen.
When asked if she is writing the series, Rowling clarified that she isn't penning the scripts herself. However, she confirmed that she's played an integral role behind the scenes, replying, "No, but I've worked closely with the extremely talented writers."
Live Events
The announcement comes at a time when Rowling's controversial views on transgender issues have sparked backlash and led to calls for boycotts of the new adaptation.
Critics argue that her stance might influence the new series, but HBO executives have been firm in their commitment to the project.
Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO, addressed the ongoing situation in a recent interview, explaining that Rowling's personal views will not dictate the direction of the show.
"The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us," Bloys remarked, adding, "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," as quoted by Deadline.
He added that, while Rowling's views may be polarising, the studio is focused on the story itself.
"Harry Potter is not secretly being infused with anything. If you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter," Bloys said, indicating that the series would remain true to the spirit of the books, which are known for their themes of love, self-acceptance, and friendship, as reported by Deadline.
Rowling's role in the adaptation has been a point of interest for fans and critics alike. It has been confirmed that she will serve as an executive producer on the series through her production company, Bronte Film and TV.
According to reports obtained by Deadline, Rowling was involved in the initial pitch process for the series, ensuring her vision for the world of Harry Potter remained intact.
Bloys also reassured fans that the show would prioritise the core themes of the Harry Potter universe.
"Our priority is what's on the screen," Bloys shared, adding, "Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That's our priority, what's on screen," as quoted by Deadline.
While HBO continues to back Rowling's involvement, the controversy surrounding her statements on transgender issues remains a contentious topic.
The author's past remarks, including her praise for a UK Supreme Court ruling that restricts the legal recognition of trans women, have drawn sharp criticism from various sectors of the film and TV industry.
In response, over 400 individuals, including actors, writers, and activists, have signed a letter urging the UK's entertainment industry to take action against her on trans rights.
One notable signatory was actor Paapa Essiedu, who has been cast in the new Harry Potter series as Professor Snape.
Essiedu, a vocal advocate for trans rights, joined the letter expressing concern about Rowling's controversial stance and its potential impact on the show's legacy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Pink Villa
31 minutes ago
- Pink Villa
Squid Game 3: Did you know director Hwang Dong Hyuk's lawyer played VIP role? Meet the others behind golden masks
Squid Game 3 brought in a new batch of ultra-rich VIPs who had a strong sense of entitlement stemming from their wealth and influence. These individuals viewed the players of the deadly games as mere pawns to be used for their own amusement. While hiding behind their extravagant golden masks, they placed bets on who they think will make it through each round. Here's uncovering the real identities behind those masks, as per an article by Radio Times. Who are the 5 VIPs in Squid Game Season 3? Director Hwang Dong Hyuk's lawyer played one of the VIPs Lawyer Kevin Yorn, specializing in entertainment, played one of the golden-masked ruthless men in Squid Game Season 3. He represents Squid Game creator, writer and director Hwang Dong Hyuk at his firm, Yorn Levine. According to Deadline, the two parties legally teamed up in January 2022. This was when the massive global response to Squid Game Season 1 made Hwang Dong Hyuk feel the need for solid legal representation. Besides Kevin Yorn, the other individuals who played the rest of the VIPs were all lesser-known entities, mostly belonging to the entertainment industry. Other 4 VIPs of Squid Game 3 David Sayers: He is an actor from the UK, born in Hastings, with experience in various theatre productions across the UK and internationally. His latest screen appearances include a range of short films and the Indian (Hindi-language) thriller Operation Mayfair. Jane Wong: She portrays the only female VIP in Squid Game 3. She's a Hong Kong native, and her acting background includes roles in local crime dramas like Raging Fire and Bursting Point. Bryan Bucco: He comes from New Jersey in the United States. His Backstage profile indicates that he is adept in basic conversational Korean, and as per his LinkedIn page, he has experience in teaching English as a second language in South Korea. Jordan Lambertoni: He has French origins and Korean is also among the languages he is well-versed with. He recently played the role of an Olympic archer in the local film Amazon Bullseye.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Vishnu Manchu's estranged brother Manchu Manoj calls Kannappa ‘1000 times better than expected', heaps praise on Prabhas
The much-awaited Telugu film Kannappa finally hit the screens on 27 June. In a surprising turn of events, Vishnu Manchu's brother, Manchu Manoj, was seen at Prasads Multiplex catching the very first show of the movie. His presence raised eyebrows, given the not-so-warm equation between the two brothers. Manoj also heaped praise on the film during his review. Manchu Manoj praises brother Vishnu Manchu's performance in Kannappa. As Manoj was exiting the theatre, he was surrounded by media seeking his reaction to the movie. As quoted by Gulte, Manoj said, "The film is a thousand times better than I expected. After Prabhas enters, the movie goes to the next level." Without naming anyone, he added, "I never imagined, even in my dreams, such a brilliant performance in the climax," which many believed to be a nod to the film's lead, Vishnu Manchu. He further congratulated the team of Kannappa, saying, "I hope the film becomes a huge success and that the money invested is returned a thousandfold." This comes shortly after Manoj omitted his brother, Vishnu Manchu, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) while sending best wishes to the Kannappa team. Ahead of the film's release, he wrote, "All the best to Team #Kannappa! My Dad and his team have poured years of effort and love into this film. I'm praying it roars to blockbuster success. Can't wait to see my little champs Ari, Vivi, and Avram make memories on the big screen. So happy that #TanikellaBharani garu's lifelong dream is coming alive tomorrow. I wholeheartedly thank the golden-hearted PraBoss garu & the G.O.A.T.s #Mohanlal Garu, #AkshayKumar Garu, #PrabhuDeva Garu, and each and every one who supported this film with love and belief. Can't wait to see you all shine on the big screen. May Lord Shiva bless this journey with light, love, and legacy." For the unversed, during the promotions of the film, Vishnu accused his brother Manoj of stealing the hard drive containing Kannappa's footage. Speaking at an event in Chennai, Vishnu alleged that Raghu and Charitha, who allegedly stole the disk, were part of Manoj's staff. 'In case the culprits manage to leak the footage, I urge everyone not to watch the leaked content. About 70 minutes of colour-graded footage that was sent from a Mumbai facility to our father's Film Nagar residence was stolen by Raghu more than a month ago,' he said. About Kannappa The mythological epic narrates the story of the legendary devotee of Lord Shiva. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced under Manchu's banners — AVA Entertainment and 24 Frames Factory — the film stars Vishnu Manchu in the lead role alongside Preity Mukhundhan, Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Arpit Ranka, Brahmanandam, Brahmaji, Siva Balaji, Kaushal Manda, Rahul Madhav, Devaraj, Mukesh Rishi, Raghu Babu, and Madhoo. The film also features star-studded cameos by Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, and Kajal Aggarwal
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
'I'm a completely different person': Mizkif reacts after FaZe Silky bans him from FaZe's 4th July party
(Image via X/@yoxic) Twitch streamer Mizkif is once again in hot water, but this time, for being banned from FaZe Clan's hyped 4th of July party. FaZe's Silky publicly called him out for past 'racist' behaviour, pulling the plug on Mizkif's invite. But Mizkif isn't fighting back. Instead, he's owning his past and calling himself a changed man. Silky Pulls the Plug on Mizkif's Invite It all started when Mizkif was set to attend FaZe's massive Fourth of July party, with fellow streamers like Ludwig, QTCinderella, and even Plaqueboymax expected to be there. But things took a turn when FaZe member Silky made it clear that Mizkif was not welcome. Live on stream, Silky didn't hold back, saying he had no interest in 'weird people' and didn't want someone with a 'racist past' at the FaZe House. The invite, originally extended by FaZe's Lacy, was publicly revoked. Mizkif's Response: 'I Get It' Unlike what you might expect, Mizkif didn't throw shade back. In fact, during a recent stream, he said he understands where Silky is coming from. 'I don't blame Silky for what he said... It's understandable ,' he admitted. He didn't deny the past. In fact, he leaned into it. Mizkif admitted to saying dumb things when he was younger, just like, according to him, ' everyone else in the industry back then .' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Joyful Cirque Spectacle GCE Read More Undo But his main message was this: That's not who I am anymore. 'I Was 22. I'm 30 Now.' Mizkif addressed the elephant in the room directly—his past use of racial slurs. 'I said this sh** when I was twenty-two,' he confessed. 'But I'm a completely different person than what I was when I was twenty-two.' He also pointed out the hypocrisy that many content creators have a messy past. Without naming names, he mentioned FaZe Banks and others, suggesting that growth is part of being online for years. Mizkif Destroyed by Faze Silky.. Banned.. Mizkif Responds.. Fans Are Divided (As Always) Twitter, Reddit, and Twitch chats are all split. Some people are backing Silky's move, saying there's no excuse, ever. Others believe in second chances and feel Mizkif has shown enough growth over the years to deserve one. No word yet on whether Silky and Mizkif will actually talk things out. Mizkif says he's open to a conversation—but the ball's in Silky's court. One thing's for sure though: this drama has put FaZe's 4th of July bash on everyone's radar for reasons no one expected. Whether Mizkif ends up at the party or not, the real fireworks have already started. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
