JK Rowling delivers huge update on Harry Potter TV series as she shares honest verdict on remake

‘Hang on!’ Tom Harwood and Emily Carver lock horns in tense GB News row as JK Rowling comment sparks fury: ‘Yada, yada, yada’
GB NEWS
Eliana Silver

By Eliana Silver


Published: 22/06/2025

- 12:16

The controversy surrounding JK Rowling's gender critical views continues to cast a shadow over the production

JK Rowling has taken to social media to express her enthusiasm for the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series, declaring the first two episodes "SO, SO, SO GOOD!" in a post on X.

The author revealed she has read the opening episodes of the Warner Bros. Discovery series, which is set to begin production this summer ahead of a 2026 premiere.



When questioned about whether she was writing the series herself, Rowling clarified in a reply: "No, but I've worked closely with the extremely talented writers."

Her praise comes as many Harry Potter fans continue to vow to boycott the new adaptation over the author's gender critical stance.

HBO Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys has addressed the controversy surrounding Rowling's views, stating that the network's priority remains "what's on the screen."

Speaking on The Town with Matthew Belloni podcast, Bloys said: "The decision to be in business with JK Rowling is not new for us. We've been in business for 25 years. We already have a show on HBO from her called C.B. Strike that we do with the BBC."

He added: "It's pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She's entitled to them.

"Harry Potter is not secretly being infused with anything. If you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter."

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JK Rowling

The controversy surrounding Rowling's gender critical views continues to cast a shadow over the production, with more than 400 people signing a letter urging the UK's film and television industry to take action against her on trans rights.

PA

The controversy surrounding Rowling's gender critical views continues to cast a shadow over the production, with more than 400 people signing a letter urging the UK's film and television industry to take action against her on trans rights.

This follows Rowling's celebration of a UK Supreme Court ruling that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex.

Among the signatories is Paapa Essiedu, who has been cast as Professor Snape in the HBO series.

Bloys described the controversy as "very nuanced and complicated," whilst maintaining that "the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance."

HBO Harry Potter cast

HBO Harry Potter cast: Dominic McLaughlin (middle), Arabella Stanton (left), and Alastair Stout (right) will play the three leads in the 2026 remake

HBO

Rowling will serve as executive producer on the series through her Brontë Film and TV banner, having been part of the pitch process for the Warner Bros. Television production.

Bloys previously confirmed Rowling's involvement, stating: "She's an executive producer on the show. Her insights are going to be helpful on that."

The series marks the latest adaptation of Rowling's seven-book fantasy novel series, with production scheduled to commence this summer.

The show is expected to premiere in 2026, as the author continues to promote the project to her supporters whilst facing ongoing criticism over her stance on transgender issues.