J.K. Rowling has confirmed the extent of her involvement in the upcoming Harry Potter revival.
The 59-year-old author behind the iconic magical franchise has sparked backlash in recent years over her comments about the trans community, and HBO’s TV series has been drawn into the controversy.
The network previously defended Rowling over her ‘right to express her personal views’, while confirming she has a hand in the project.
Now, the writer has gone further in explaining just how involved she actually is.
‘I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD,’ she wrote on X over the weekend.
When a fan asked if her post meant she wasn’t penning the series, she insisted while that’s true, she has still been hands-on.
Rowling replied: ‘No, but I’ve worked closely with the extremely talented writers.’
It was previously revealed the author is serving as an executive producer on the Harry Potter series.
‘We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter – the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance,’ HBO told Variety.
‘JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.’
Some of the cast have already been forced to respond to backlash over the show and wider franchise over its creator’s comments, which some have deemed as transphobic.
In a recent interview with The Observer, Hot Fuzz star Nick Frost insisted he does not share Rowling’s views.
‘She’s allowed her opinion and I’m allowed mine, they just don’t align in any way, shape or form,’ he said.
He also argued that the controversy and backlash might not be something people should want to ‘blow over’ for the sake of the wizarding franchise.
Asked if it could ‘overshadow the series’, he replied: ‘I don’t know. But maybe it shouldn’t blow over? We shouldn’t just hope it will go away, because it makes it easier. Maybe we should educate ourselves.’
However, Tom Felton – who played Draco Malfoy in the film series – was criticised recently when he refused to take a stance on Rowling as he signed on to reprise his character in the Potter stage play The Cursed Child on Broadway.
Asked directly whether the controversy around her divisive position on the trans community had impacted his work with the franchise, he replied: ‘I can’t say it does, I’m not really that attuned to it.’
He added: ‘I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter. She’s responsible for that, so I’m incredibly grateful.’
Harry Potter will air on HBO Max.
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