Warner Bros has defended JK Rowling’s “right to express her personal views” following a prolonged transgender row.
The author has been described as “transphobic” since 2020 after sharing gender-critical views.
Criticism of the writer has been frequent, but Warner Bros has now defended Rowling’s right to free speech.
Warner Bros said the development of the Harry Potter TV series “will only benefit” from Rowling’s involvement
DEBRA HURFORD BROWN/REUTERS
Casting calls for the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series, expected to be filmed in the UK during 2025 and 2026, began in September to look for the next actors for Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.
In a statement, Warner Bros, which owns HBO and produced the Harry Potter films, said: “We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance.
“JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
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The statement, issued to the film magazine Variety, added that Rowling’s contribution to the Harry Potter films had been “invaluable”.
There have been rumours of a planned boycott by a cohort of fans offended by Rowling’s stance on trans issues.
The author first publicly voiced her opinion in 2020, when she mocked a brand that used the term “people who menstruate” instead of “woman” in an online article. Accused of being transphobic, she asserted: “Erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives.”
This caused a backlash against her from Harry Potter cast members. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry, claimed that Rowling’s view “erases the identity” of transgender people.
Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who played Hermione and Ron, said that trans people should not be “constantly questioned” and should be allowed to live “without judgement”.
