In April 2023, HBO Max and Discovery+ announced that a “Harry Potter” TV series was on the way with a whole new cast and a whole new world of stories to share. While there was a lot of criticism over JK Rowling’s involvement in the new adaptation, others were simply excited to return to the wizarding world. However, they are calling for a few changes. Mainly, fans want HBO to cast a black actress as Hermione, the role previously played by Emma Watson in the film versions.
HBO has promised that the new show will remain “faithful” to the world created in Rowling’s novels and movies. However, one thing fans are hoping will be different in the TV adaptation is more diversity and inclusivity this time around. “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” the popular stage show set in the “Harry Potter” universe, managed this well, and a lot of people are hoping the show will follow suit.
“I want them to hire a black trans actress as Hermione in the new Harry Potter series,” one fan tweeted.
Another remarked: “Sorry to disappoint some of you but I’d love to see a black Hermione in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series. @jk_rowling even likes it. There was already a black woman playing Hermione in the theatrical play and JK loved it.”
However, not everyone is a fan of the idea of casting actors from different racial and ethnic backgrounds in the series. Many felt empowered to share their racist views online, complaining that the move was simply to appease “snowflakes.”
“The writers on the HBO Harry Potter series when they realize that the new Hermione actress is going to be black and they need to find a way to justify her being called a ‘mudblood’ and being laughed at for being anti-slavery,” one person speculated on Twitter.
“I hate race swapping characters to pacify snowflakes’ feelings… Funny now the same people who like that s*** are the same ones complaining Hermione might be black in the new Harry Potter series… Ironic huh,” another wrote.
At present, no casting announcements for the upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series have been confirmed or announced.
