Just a few months after HBO declared a “[commitment] to an inclusive and diverse casting” for the harry potter TV reboot, the network proudly confirmed that transphobic creator JK Rowling was “very involved” in the project's inception and praised the author for her “invaluable” contribution.
Rowling has been expressing anti-trans views since at least December 2019 and hasn't looked back since publishing a 3,600-word transphobic manifesto in June 2020. In the wake of the note, the top three harry potter Actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint spoke out against Rowling's comments.
harry potter Fan sites MuggleNet and The Leaky Cauldron also denounced Rowling's beliefs, all of which led Warner Bros. to respond with a statement that “a diverse and inclusive culture has never been more important to our company and to our audiences in everyone”.
And just today, Rowling dismissed Edinburgh City Council's social media post commemorating Transgender Day of Remembrance. Apparently, the criminal complaint filed by Algerian boxer and Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif last August did little to weaken Rowling's resolve.
However, HBO chief content officer Casey Bloys told reporters earlier this month that Rowling was “very, very involved in the writer and director selection process” for the upcoming TV series, adding that his anti-trans statements “have not affected.” casting or hiring writers or production personnel.”
More recently, a spokesperson for the network issued a statement to Variety Citing Warner's “over 20 years” working with Rowling, he added that “her contribution has been invaluable.”
“We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter: moving books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance,” the statement continued. “JK Rowling has the right to express her personal views. “We will continue to focus on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from your participation.”
Meanwhile, Rowling has barely promoted the series since sharing the open casting call flyer for the series' central roles on September 10. Instead, her social media timeline has characteristically been littered with posts focused on her anti-trans agenda.
While there is no set release date for the harry potter series, Francesca Gardiner will serve as showrunner, with her partner Succession Alumnus Mark Mylod came on board to direct several episodes.
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