Directors associated with ‘Black Mirror’ and ‘Loki’ have said they would not work on HBO’s forthcoming ‘Harry Potter’ television adaptation because of J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender issues. Their comments highlight the continuing controversy surrounding Rowling and the potential reputational challenges for the high-profile reboot.

Toby Haynes, who directed episodes of both series, described involvement in the project as a “hard no”, while ‘Black Mirror’ director Sam Miller also said he would decline. HBO is developing the series as a new adaptation of Rowling’s books, with a planned decade-long run and a new cast, despite criticism from some creative figures and fans over the author’s public statements.