Directors reject HBO’s Harry Potter series over Rowling’s trans views
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Directors Ally Pankiw and Kate Herron said they declined approaches to direct HBO’s forthcoming Harry Potter television series because of J.K. Rowling’s views on trans rights, which they regard as transphobic. Their comments underline continuing criticism of the adaptation within parts of the television industry, even as HBO continues to assemble its cast and proceed with production.
Pankiw shared a text exchange showing her emphatic refusal and said declining to fund transphobia was straightforward; Herron said she had been asked twice and that her answer would remain no. The series is due to debut on HBO and HBO Max on 25 December, with its first season adapting Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and a second season already commissioned; Nicholas Hoult has joined as Gilderoy Lockhart alongside John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, Bel Powley and Nick Frost.
- Two directors rejected HBO’s Harry Potter series over Rowling’s trans rights views.
- The project remains on course for a 25 December debut.
- Nicholas Hoult has joined the cast as Gilderoy Lockhart.
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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’”.