Directors reject HBO’s Harry Potter series over Rowling’s trans views
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Nicholas Hoult has newly joined HBO’s forthcoming Harry Potter television series as Gilderoy Lockhart, despite continued criticism of the project over author J.K. Rowling’s views on trans rights. Directors Ally Pankiw and Kate Herron have separately said they refused approaches to direct the series because they consider Rowling’s views transphobic, highlighting persistent industry opposition around the adaptation.
Pankiw shared a text exchange in which she rejected the opportunity emphatically and said it was easy to refuse “funding transphobia”; Herron said she had been approached twice and would continue to say no. The series is scheduled to debut on HBO and HBO Max on 25 December, with its first season adapting Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone; a second season adapting Chamber of Secrets has already been commissioned. Hoult joins John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, Bel Powley as Aunt Petunia and Nick Frost as Hagrid.
- Nicholas Hoult joins HBO’s Harry Potter cast as Gilderoy Lockhart.
- Two directors say Rowling’s trans views led them to refuse the series.
- The first season is due on 25 December.
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J.K. Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books, a fantasy series about a young boy who discovers he is a wizard and attends a magical school. The books were adapted into eight successful films and have since become a major global entertainment franchise.
HBO is making a new television version, planned to retell the books over several seasons with a new cast. Rowling is involved as an executive producer, while the broadcaster and production team are responsible for making and commissioning the programme.
Rowling has faced criticism over statements and campaigning related to sex and gender, which some trans rights groups and people in the entertainment industry describe as harmful to trans people. She disputes that characterisation and says she supports trans people’s rights while raising concerns about the impact of some policies on women and girls.
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Originally published by Variety as “‘Black Mirror’ and ‘Loki’ Directors Say They Rejected HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Due to J.K. Rowling’s Transphobia: ‘Absolutely F—-ing Not’”.