Ahead of a new television adaptation of the Harry Potter series, HBO has extended support to J.K. Rowling despite the author's repeated attacks on transgender people.
The fantasy franchise is set to be reimagined as longform show, for which Rowling has been “very, very involved in the process" of choosing a writer and director, HBO executive Casey Bloys said at a press event on Nov. 12, per Variety.
Bloys added that that Rowling's anti-trans beliefs "haven’t affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff" of the project.
Although Harry Potter alum have spoken out against Rowling's views, HBO has indicated it will move forward with the author for the upcoming spinoff, scheduled to release in late 2026 or early 2027.
In a separate statement to Variety, an HBO spokesperson said that the network has long collaborated with Rowling, calling her participation in the show "invaluable," while HBO has been "in the Harry Potter business for over 20 years."
"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 rep continued. "J.K. 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."
This decision somewhat differs from previous comments by HBO parent company Warner Bros. Discovery. The entertainment company, which has released other Wizarding World projects such as the Fantastic Beasts film series, issued a statement in 2020 alluding to the Rowling's anti-trans stance.
"The events in the last several weeks have firmed our resolve as a company to confront difficult societal issues. Warner Bros.' position on inclusiveness is well established, and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture has never been more important to our company and to our audiences around the world," the company said in a statement at the time, per IndieWire.
Rowling's transphobic comments go back as far as 2017 when she liked a tweet that showed opposition to the trans rights movement. The comments intensified and have since continued, with Rowling openly denouncing trans individuals, particularly trans women.
Rowling was last credited as screenwriter and producer of 2022 film Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.
