While the American channel HBO is preparing a television adaptation of the “Harry Potter” saga, the active involvement of the author of the famous novels, JK Rowling, is causing intense controversy due to her controversial statements on transgender people.
In 2020, Warner Bros. had distanced itself by subtly condemning JK Rowling's comments against the transgender community. However, HBO, a subsidiary of the American studios, defended the author regarding her involvement in the new television adaptation of the “Harry Potter” franchise.
“We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter – the heartwarming books that speak of the power of friendship, determination and acceptance. JK Rowling has the right to express her personal opinions. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from his involvement,” the company said in a statement to Variety.
A complaint filed against the novelist
Casey Bloys, president of HBO, confirmed at a press conference earlier this month that the author was “very, very involved in the writer and director selection process.” He also clarified that his controversial statements had no impact on the casting or hiring of production teams for the series.
For several years, JK Rowling has made her opposition to the rights of transgender people a major cause on social networks. In August, she was named in a complaint for aggravated cyberharassment, filed in Paris by gold medalist boxer Imane Khelif. The creator of “Harry Potter” had accused the sportswoman of being a man who “enjoys the distress of a woman he has just hit on the head”.
The series, confirmed last year by HBO, will be a television adaptation of seven books, with each season covering one volume. A casting call for children aged 9 to 11 living in the United Kingdom or Ireland was launched in September, with filming scheduled for 2025.
