HBO defends JK Rowling’s involvement in the Harry Potter series despite problematic stance on the transgender community | Web series

JK Rowling has certainly remained steadfast in her controversial stance on the transgender community. In a statement to VarietyHBO explained why the author is still involved in the upcoming Harry Potter series despite her problematic gender politics. (Read also: This Oscar-nominated actor lost the role of Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter and says it has ‘stayed with me through the years’)

What HBO says

“We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter – the heartwarming books that speak of the power of friendship, determination and acceptance. JK Rowling has the right to express her personal opinions. We will continue to focus on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement,” HBO said.

It also added that parent company Warner Bros “has worked with JK Rowling and in the Harry Potter business for over twenty years” and that “its contribution has been invaluable.” The report also states that HBO chief Casey Bloys informed the media at an event on November 12 that JK Rowling was “very, very involved in the process of selecting the writer and director,” and that her anti-trans statements “ did not influence the casting or hiring of writers or production staff.”

A few days earlier, Rowling had shared a screenshot of a tweet from an Rowling captioned the screenshot: “I just saw this reply saying I’m very involved with the Harry Potter TV show and I think I laughed a bit.”

About the Harry Potter series

Warner Bros launched an open casting call for the lead roles of Harry, Hermoine and Ron, who were played by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint respectively in the eight-part film franchise.

The series will most likely continue with newcomers for the top three characters and mix them with veterans for the adult cast, like the film franchise, which starred Richard Harris as Dumbledore and brought in Michael Gambon after his death. Late star Maggie Smith played Professor McGonagall, and Alan Rickman played Professor Snape.

Mark Rylance, 64, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2016 for his work in Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies, is reportedly at the top of the casting wish list to play Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series.