Soon fifteen years after the completion of one of the most emblematic sagas in the history of cinema, Harry Potter is preparing his big return to the screen. Since the announcement of a television series on the life of the sorcerer from Little Whinging in April 2023, fans oscillate between apprehension and haste to find again the universe created by JK Rowling on the screen.
As the series releases on HBO approaches, information is starting to reach us. The online media Business Insider takes stock, a year and a half of its broadcast (scheduled for the end of 2026 or early 2027). Casey Bloys, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HBO and Max content, can also count on the support of JK Rowling, also an executive producer of the series. What reassure the most reluctant fans to see their favorite books again suitable.
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“Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me. I can’t wait to be part of this new adaptation, which will allow a degree of depth and detail that only a long -term television series can offer ”JK Rowling said in a press release.
The cast already victim of racist attacks
But some fans have not forgotten the multiple words deemed transphobic made by the author, even pushing Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson to dissociate himself from her statements. Anxious to challenge Max and HBO on their desire to involve the British novelist in the television series project, fans did not have any response from the platforms, which refused any comments.
-But the controversies do not stop there. They re -emerged when it was announced that the British actor Paapa Essiedu, known for his roles in the British series I May Destroy You (2020) et Gangs of London (since 2020), the iconic Severus Rogue would embody on the screen. For some fans, it is simply unacceptable that a black person can interpret a character described as white in books.
Behind an alleged attachment to literal fidelity to the original works, there is in reality an uninhibited racism already seen in the past for other productions. Paapa Essiedu, like others before him, was the target, while trials in “wokism” were brought to the producers of the series.
A point on the casting
Ingleting these controversies, the casting continues to be announced on a dropper. John Lithgow will play Albus Dumbledore, the legendary director of the Hogwarts school. The American actor is known for his roles in the series Dexter (2006-2013), The Crown (2026-2023) or The Old Man (2022-2024).
British actress Janet Mcteer, known for her role in the American series Ozark (2017-2022), will embody the professor of metamorphosis Minerva McGonagall. The role of goalkeeper Hagrid will return to British actor Nick Frost.
The two British actors Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse will complete the distribution known to date, by interpreting Professor Quirrell and Argus Rusard respectively. We are still waiting for the names of those who will play Harry, Hermione and Ron.
