J.K. Rowling Addresses the Backlash on the Harry Potter TV Series Announcement

Recently, it was officially announced that Max (the upcoming new name of HBO Max) is working on a Harry Potter TV series reboot that will cover all seven novels just like what the films did. The news was met with divisive reactions amongst fans who were questioning the necessity of redoing the entire story.

J.K. Rowling's involvement as one of the executive producers of the series was also met with backlash due to her controversies for the past couple of years surrounding her views about transgender people that are deemed as transphobic by the LGBT community.

Now, the author has responded to the backlash on Twitter where she seems to be unbothered by the criticisms that she received ever since the project and her involvement were officially announced.

"Dreadful news, which I feel duty bound to share. Activists in my mentions are trying to organise yet another boycott of my work, this time of the Harry Potter TV show," Rowling tweeted.

"As forewarned is forearmed, I've taken the precaution of laying in a large stock of champagne."

After the project was announced, HBO and Max chairman Casey Bloys was asked whether Rowling's involvement will affect the casting of the series, but he declined to properly address it.

"No, 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," he said.

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

Despite the backlash that the news received, it looks like Max and Rowling are keen on making the series, especially as they announced that they have committed to a decades-long run for the project.

So far, the Harry Potter TV series remains in early development. Max has not set a release window yet for the first season as they are still looking for a showrunner.

Also Read: Harry Potter HBO Max Series Casting Rumors and Casting Calls