HBO Max's new Harry Potter TV series sparks backlash

13 April 2023, 14:58

A new Harry Potter series is coming to HBO Max

By Sam Prance

Both Harry Potter fans and trans activists are calling out HBO Max for green-lighting the new series.

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HBO Max are coming under fire after announcing that they are adapting the Harry Potter books into a brand new TV series.

Yesterday (Apr 12), HBO Max announced that they are officially making a new Harry Potter series based on the seven books. Alongside a new teaser trailer, they said: "Your Hogwarts letter is here. Max has ordered the first ever #HarryPotter scripted television series, a faithful adaptation of the iconic books." The new series is set to take place over 10 seasons.

Max have also confirmed that J.K. Rowling will act as an executive producer of the series. In a statement, J.K. said: "Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series."

Now, Max are facing backlash from both Harry Potter fans and trans activists who are calling out the upcoming show.

HBO Max's new Harry Potter TV series sparks backlash. Picture: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo, Warner Bros. Pictures

First of all, people are upset that Max are working with J.K. Rowling considering her history with transphobia. Back in 2019, J.K. was called out for supporting Maya Forstater, a tax expert, who was fired from her job for misgendering trans people. Since then, the author has been criticised for routinely being transphobic and saying that trans women aren't women.

Many of the original Harry Potter cast have spoken out in defence of trans people following J.K.'s remarks. Reacting to the new Max series, someone tweeted: "you gotta imagine that...a big part of the appeal of a harry potter tv show for JKR is having a “definitive” adaptation to point to instead of the movies whose core casts have publicly disavowed her".

Secondly, fans of the original Harry Potter movies are confused as to why another adaptation of the books is necessary. A fan said: "we don't need harry potter reboot" and "they're the golden trio" in reference to Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.

Someone also wrote: "Harry Potter and the millions of other stories that exist and haven't ever been adapted not even once."

the terf wants more money and to erase daniel radcliffe's harry potter but she won't be able. i hope this shit flops HARD.

fuck you HBO max
and anyone who supports this is siding with transphobes. idc fuck you too https://t.co/tPrCdXPqR5
— jack 🩸 || the mandalorian spoilers (@asavagegarden) April 12, 2023

Above all else, a Harry Potter series is just not feasible with today’s television model. CGI heavy franchise TV seasons now have two year gaps between seasons minimum. You cannot recreate the “growing up with the cast” feeling when every actor is in their 30s for season 7
— Max (@EPM106) April 12, 2023

we don't need harry potter reboot

they're the golden trio ✨ pic.twitter.com/lIdc9EKriT
— fran multi 💫🕷️🕸️ (@hpspideywayne) April 12, 2023

They’re remaking Harry Potter again either because they’re not creative enough to come up with new ideas that’ll sell and/or because Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson all spoke out against JK Rowling’s transphobia and she doesn’t want them associated as the leads. https://t.co/720iApnKjq
— Barra (@ThatBmanGuy) April 12, 2023

Harry Potter and the millions of other stories that exist and haven't ever been adapted not even once.
— Sacha Coward (@sacha_coward) April 13, 2023

not to be annoying but if y'all mention fucking harry potter in 2023 as part of your max promotion launch and not our flag means death, the show with exclusively queer main characters one of whom is trans and nonbinary, i will very much call that transphobia https://t.co/wLYm34C4Ps
— duke/அனிருத் 🫀 (@dvkerose) April 12, 2023

you gotta imagine that, besides more money, a big part of the appeal of a harry potter tv show for JKR is having a “definitive” adaptation to point to instead of the movies whose core casts have publicly disavowed her
— largest rodent (@capybaroness) April 12, 2023

According to Variety, HBO's Chairman and CEO of Content, Casey Bloys, was asked about J.K.'s transphobia in a Q&A this week. Declining to comment, he said: "I don’t think this is the forum. That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into.‘Our priority is what’s on the screen."

He ended by saying: "Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That’s our priority — what’s on screen."