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J.K. Rowling took the world by storm when her debut fantasy novel,Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was released. The series went on to become one of the most popular fantasy novels and was successfully translated onto the big screen.
The movie franchise launched several successful careers and hosted many big names until the writer got embroiled in a scandal. The controversy started with Rowling’s disparaging tweets about the transgender community that enraged many. Recent news of theHarry PotterTV series reboot may have excited fans but HBO’s decision to work closely with the author was not well-received. This stance of the production company is in sharp contrast with its progressive move with the lead stars ofHouse of the DragonandEuphoria.
The questionable alliance: Contrasting world-views
HBO’s decision to reboot the much-loved Harry Potter series was met with a mixed response. However, fans of the book franchise were excited to learn that the new TV show would lay more emphasis on the canon and details that were overlooked by the film series.
A recent update from the production company has managed to put a pause on some of that excitement. During a discussion about the upcoming series, HBO chiefCasey Bloysconfessed to the reporters thatJ.K. Rowlingis a core member of their team (via Variety).
[She is] very, very involved in the process selecting the writer and the director. [Their parent company has] been working with J.K. Rowling and in the Harry Potter business for over 20 years…her contribution has been invaluable.
To others, this speech might have been heartwarming to see the company paying its respects to the original creator of the franchise. However, this was not the public’s reaction who had a vastly different opinion about the author due to her disastrous tweets against a social issue.
Hate J.K. Rowling All You Want But She is Not Losing the Support From HBO and Her Influence on Harry Potter Reboot
In 2020, while the world was busy protecting themselves from the pandemic, Rowling’s social media posts engaged in a different battle. The author took offense to the words used in an op-ed piece, and this soon evolved into her launching into a tirade about her views on the same (via Glamour).
If sx isn’t real, there’s no same-sx attraction. If sx isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sx removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives.
Along with facing backlash from the public, actors associated with her film franchise also spoke in support of the community.Daniel Radcliffe,Emma Watson,Rupert Grint, and even her fan communities like MuggleNet and The Leaky Cauldron denounced the author’s views.
HBO’s actions: A slight to many of their biggest stars
Even after facing denouncement and the public’s wrath, Rowling did not stop declaring her unpopular opinions online. Due to her controversial stance, many viewers and fans refused to associate with the author and her works.
As such, HBO’s decision to not only work closely with her but also involve her in the creative processes of the upcoming series felt questionable to many. A commentator on X (formerly Twitter) pointed out that this move might slight two of their biggest stars,Emma D’ArcyandHunter Schafer.
TheHouse of the Dragonstar has publicly spoken about their identifying as a non-binary whereas Schafer has been celebrated for her activism for the transgender community. TheEuphoriaactress has repeatedly talked about facing identity issues and finally coming to terms with hers.The Last of UsstarBella Ramseyalso identifies as non-binary and gender-fluid.
This feels like a huge “fvck” to your two main trans and non-binary stars, the statement of intent is clearhttps://t.co/hS2iSA4RNNpic.twitter.com/RONxE4JDOP
I am still hoping that they meant to say: “We are adapting her work, so we need her around”, but just worded it really badly.
And Bella Ramsey from The Last of Us. They’re so sick for this.
i hope they leave!
Companies are already bending the knee to America’s dictatorship, which hasn’t even taken office yet.
um they dont care about anyone feeling , they care about money and harry potter has that , a money making franchise , and the right of the franchise is still with jk so offcourse she is gonna be involve
Other keyboard warriors condemned the creators for taking a stance that sharply contrasts with their progressive steps earlier. Rowling may have had a hand in creating the franchise which impacted an entire generation’s childhood but the viewers are not going to overlook her faults any time soon.
Shruti Pathak
Articles Published :286
An entertainment writer with a passion for storytelling that transcends genres, Shruti Pathak is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in English. She is also a devoted poetry enthusiast, exploring the beauty of language and emotion through verse. Obsessed with the show Friends, a self-proclaimed swiftie, and inspired by classical literature these are just some characteristics that describe the novice writer. Newly joining FandomWire as an intern writer, she hopes to share her thoughts while sharpening her writing skills on various entertainment topics.
