HBO boss says ‘Harry Potter’ series will not be 'secretly infused' by JK Rowling's anti-trans views
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: HBO Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys has addressed concerns about JK Rowling’s involvement in the upcoming 'Harry Potter' TV series.
He has clarifyied that her personal views will not influence the show’s content.
HBO boss Casey Bloys says JK Rowling’s anti-trans views are her personal opinion
Casey Bloys spoke about the network’s ongoing projects during a recent episode of 'The Town with Matthew Belloni', including the high-profile 'Harry Potter' adaptation currently in development.
During the podcast, Bloys pointed out that HBO’s working relationship with Rowling is not new.
“The decision to be in business with JK Rowling is not new for us. We’ve been in business for 25 years,” Bloys told Matthew Belloni per The Wrap.
“We already have a show on HBO from her called CB Strike that we do with the BBC.”
He reassured listeners that the upcoming 'Harry Potter' series will remain separate from Rowling’s personal views, particularly those about the transgender community that have sparked controversy.
“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,” Bloys added. “If you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.”
John Lithgow had not thought people would be mad at him for joining 'Harry Potter' series
Casting announcements for the series were recently made, with John Lithgow set to play Albus Dumbledore.
Other cast members include Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
Lithgow spoke to The Times of London about receiving backlash for accepting the role due to Rowling’s involvement. “I thought, ‘Why is this a factor at all?’ I wonder how JK Rowling has absorbed it,” said Lithgow.
“I suppose at a certain point I’ll meet her, and I’m curious to talk to her.”
When asked if the criticism made him reconsider, Lithgow replied, “Oh, heavens no.”
JK Rowling’s was 'very, very involved' in hiring for HBO series
At a press event last year Bloys stated that Rowling had been “very, very involved in the process” of choosing showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod for the series.
However, he assured that her political views had no impact on the production process.
“Her anti-trans statements haven’t affected the casting or hiring of writers or production staff,” he said.
A spokesperson for the network also told Variety last year that Rowling’s “contribution” to Warner Bros Discovery “has been invaluable.”
They added, “We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance.”
