J.K. Rowling Reacts To Scripts For The First Two Episodes of HBO’s HARRY POTTER Series
As HBO’s Harry Potter reboot moves forward, J.K. Rowling has taken to social media to share her early thoughts on the upcoming show, and unsurprisingly, she’s giving it high marks.
“I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!” Rowling posted on X.
She later clarified that while she’s not writing the scripts herself, she has been heavily involved behind the scenes working “closely with the extremely talented writers.”
Rowling’s endorsement comes at a time when parts of the fandom are sharply divided. Many longtime fans have distanced themselves from the franchise in response to Rowling’s criticized and ongoing anti-transgender rhetoric, which continues to draw backlash.
Her comments, even recent ones celebrating a UK court ruling that limits legal recognition for trans women have intensified calls from within the entertainment industry to reevaluate professional partnerships with her.
More than 400 UK film and TV professionals signed an open letter pushing for such action, including Harry Potter series cast member Paapa Essiedu, who’s set to play Professor Snape in the reboot.
Despite the public controversy, HBO is standing by its long-time collaboration with Rowling. HBO Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys addressed the situation directly on The Town with Matthew Belloni podcast:
“The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We’ve been in business for 25 years. We already have a show on HBO from her called C.B. Strike that we do with the BBC.”
He continued:
“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. If you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.”
Bloys also emphasized Rowling’s role in shaping the series, stating:
“She will be involved. She’s an executive producer on the show. Her insights are going to be helpful on that.”
While acknowledging the complexity of the public conversation surrounding Rowling, Bloys reaffirmed HBO’s focus:
“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.”
With production starting this summer and a 2026 premiere in sight, HBO is betting that the story’s magic will speak for itself. Whether the fandom’s fractured support can be mended remains to be seen.