J.K. Rowling, the celebrated author of the Harry Potter series, has given her stamp of approval to the scripts for HBO’s upcoming TV adaptation. In an X post, the 59-year-old writer praised the first two episodes as “SO, SO, SO GOOD!” While she confirmed she is not directly writing the scripts, she revealed she has “worked closely with the extremely talented writers.” The series, set to begin filming this year for a 2026 release, has already cast its leads—newcomers Dominic McLaughlin (Harry), Arabella Stanton (Hermione), and Alastair Stout (Ron).
Despite the excitement, the project continues to face backlash due to Rowling’s controversial stance on transgender rights. HBO has defended its decision to collaborate with her, stating it “is not new.” Meanwhile, Rowling recently criticized colleagues who publicly denounced her views while privately maintaining friendships with her, as detailed in an excerpt from The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht. Her remarks have reignited tensions with former Harry Potter stars, including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, who have openly supported transgender rights.
The casting of the iconic trio marks a fresh start for the franchise, with producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod expressing delight over the “extraordinary search” for the roles. The young actors were chosen from tens of thousands of auditions, promising a new era for the beloved wizarding world. However, the show’s success may hinge on how it navigates the polarizing discourse surrounding its creator.
While an official release date remains unannounced, the series is already shaping up to be one of HBO’s most anticipated projects. Fans are eager to see if the magic of Harry Potter can endure amid real-world controversies—and whether Rowling’s involvement will overshadow the new cast’s debut. Will the show cast a spell strong enough to unite divided audiences? Only time will tell.