HBO chief content officer Casey Bloys is looking to keep the “Harry Potter” series backlash to solely on social media. After “Harry Potter” creator and series executive producer J.K. Rowling recently celebrated the U.K. Supreme Court ruling that defined gender by biological sex (one of the many statements amid her years-long dedication to being transphobic), the network’s budding “Harry Potter” series was thrust back into the spotlight.
John Lithgow, who also will star in the upcoming “Harry Potter” show, told The Times of London that he did not expect to receive backlash for joining the cast, and wondered on record why Rowling’s political views would be a “factor at all” for the series. Meanwhile, Paapa Essiedu, who will play Professor Snape, signed an open letter calling for film and TV industry action to protect trans rights in the U.K.
There’s no magic wand that can make the Rowling-fueled “Harry Potter” controversy go away, but Bloys at least wants it to stay on a certain turf for one TERF-er. Bloys said during “The Town” podcast that Rowling is “entitled” to her own political standpoint, and that the “Harry Potter” series is separate from Rowling’s personal beliefs.
“We already have a show on HBO from her called ‘C.B. Strike’ that we do with the BBC. It’s pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She’s entitled to them,” Bloys said. “‘Harry Potter’ is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.”
He added, “The decision to be in business with JK Rowling is not new for us. We’ve been in business for 25 years.” The “Harry Potter” film franchise included eight movies and grossed $7.7 billion worldwide. This is the first series adaptation of the IP.
Bloys previously said that Rowling was “fairly involved in the process of selecting the writer and director” for the series and that she also gave her “opinions on casting.” He added that Rowling’s anti-trans statements “haven’t affected the casting or hiring of writers or production staff” for the series. Francesca Gardiner is the showrunner and Mark Mylod will direct.
A spokesperson for the network at the time added in a statement to Variety the “Harry Potter” series will only “benefit” from having Rowling involved. The statement praised Rowling’s “contributions” to Warner Bros. Discovery as being “invaluable.”
“We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance,” the statement read. “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.”
