After it was announced that there would be a Harry Potter TV show, the head of HBO talked about JK Rowling’s involvement in the new show.
Fans have very different feelings about the adaptation, and many are also worried that JK Rowling, who has been accused of being transphobic, might make money off of the franchise.
But HBO’s boss has responded by saying that the talks about the show were “very nuanced and complicated.”
The new Harry Potter series was first leaked in early April. Yesterday, HBO bosses made it official, and they also launched their new channel, Max.
Showrunners have said that the new show will be “true” to the books. The original movies will still be “at the core of the franchise,” but the series will reportedly have “a new cast to lead a new generation of fans.”
JK Rowling was also set to be an executive producer for the new series, which made some fans wonder if her opinions would change who was cast.
During a Q&A session with the press, Casey Bloys, the CEO of HBO and Max content, said that the conference was “not the forum” to talk about hiring people.
No, I don’t think this is the forum,
Bloys stated, adding:
That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into.
He continued:
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.
Bloys said this when asked what JK Rowling had to do with the series:
[Rowling] will be involved. She’s an executive producer on the show. Her insights are going to be helpful on that.
The TV show is new and we’re excited about that, but, remember, we’ve been in the ‘Potter’ business for 20 years. This is not a new decision for us, we’re very comfortable being in the ‘Potter’ business.
Fans weren’t just worried about JK Rowling’s involvement, though. Some were also worried that the series wouldn’t last.
One fan wrote on Twitter:
My mom thinks I’m excited for the Harry Potter TV series but I’m concerned they’re just gunna ruin the franchise further.
Others agreed, with another adding:
[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.
While another person said that a new Harry Potter movie was “not needed.”
JK Rowling has said that the series will stay true to the books because it will have “depth and detail that can only be found in a long-form television series.”
