HBO boss Casey Bloys has hit back at criticism over JK Rowling‘s involvement in the upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series on the network. Bloys, the CEO of HBO and Max content, refused to address the issue during a press Q&A, saying that he wasn’t interested in the controversy surrounding Rowling’s blatant transphobia and wouldn’t discuss it.
Showrunners for HBO’s “Harry Potter” series insist the show will be “authentic” to the books and feature “a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom.” A press release also promised it will be “full of the fantastic detail, much-loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over 25 years.”
JK Rowling will be an executive producer on the “Harry Potter” TV series
However, not everyone is happy with the decision to bring JK Rowling on board to executive produce the series. Given her hateful views towards trans people, which she’s quite open about sharing and refuses to be educated on, many fans weren’t keen to have her involved. Bloys, on the other hand, thinks it’s irrelevant to the show.
“No, I don’t think this is the forum,” he said in response to a journalist’s question about Rowling taking part. “That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into. 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.”
Boys went on to say that Rowling’s “insights are going to be helpful” on the series and that HBO is confident they can make the “Harry Potter” TV series a success for HBO Max.
Not all fans are excited that a show is being made at all. The “Harry Potter” films were a wonderful part of the franchise that became stories in their own right. However, did we really need a TV series? Many people believe not.
“My mom thinks I’m excited for the Harry Potter TV series but I’m concerned they’re just gunna ruin the franchise further,” one fan tweeted. Another added: “[The] funniest part about a Harry Potter TV series is the average fan is in their 30s or pushing 40 now. And I bet it’ll get canned after a season or two.”
