J.K. Rowling is set to be involved with the forthcoming Harry Potter television series, and some fans are not happy about it.
The author of the best-selling fantasy series has received criticism in recent years for being outspoken in her controversial views about the transgender community.
As a result, many Harry Potter fans have claimed that they won’t be supporting her future projects, including the upcoming television adaptation of the series, with many tweeting about boycotting the author altogether.
Yesterday (June 26) it was announced that the series would have Succession duo Francesca Gardiner as its writer and showrunner, and Mark Mylod as director on multiple episodes.
Rowling wrote on X about the announcement: “I’m truly thrilled to announce our director and writer, both of whom I interviewed as part of the production team.”
She continued: “Both have a genuine passion for #HarryPotter, and having read Francesca’s pilot script and heard Mark’s vision, I’m certain the TV show will more than live up to expectations.”
Users have taken to the comments to show their disapproval of Rowling’s involvement in the series. One wrote: “You shouldn’t use photos of Daniel Radcliffe to talk about the new series. Use the books of the transph0bic author instead,” while another put: “Pity the material is now forever tainted by the author’s transphobia and bigotry.”
Another echoed: “As long as the transphobic lady is involved, I’m not interested.” One user also criticised the writers’ involvement with Rowling, saying: “So Gardiner and Mylod have no problem with their names forever being linked with an obsessive, relentless bigot? Disappointing. #IStandAgainstJRowling”.
Others disagreed with the concept of a revival altogether, calling the series “unnecessary”. “Truthfully, why do we need another remake? The Harry Potter films were fine the way they were,” wrote one user. “Perhaps doing an origin film on the Founders would be more…appealing? The remakes are getting old.”
It’s not just Rowling’s readers who are critical of her views. Some cast members of the original film series, including stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson have spoken out in support of the trans community, clarifying that their views are not aligned with Rowling’s. For this, the author recently said she does not forgive the actors.
“Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces,” she wrote of the actors back in April.