Harry Potter fans divided by JK Rowling’s “iron grip” on remake

A new Harry Potter series, set to be a decade-long adaptation of JK Rowling’s iconic book series, is officially a-go – but fans are worried about the author’s involvement.

Rowling’s world of witchcraft and wizardry was first brought to life in 2001’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first in a beloved run of movies that culminated in 2011’s Deathly Hallows Part II. Each one was a bit of a miracle: dazzlingly produced, well-acted, and profitable at the box office.

Attempts to further the series haven’t been as successful. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child captured the franchise’s magic when it made its acclaimed West End debut, while the Fantastic Beasts spinoff movies limped towards a borderline-unwatchable threequel that quietly reduced its planned follow-ups to ash.

So, Warner Bros. Discovery came up with a rather predictable idea: a full-blown remake, set to adapt every book across 10 years of television with a brand-new cast.

Harry Potter fans divided by JK Rowling involvement in TV series

Deadline recently reported that a “marathon of pitches” are underway for the Max series, coming from the likes of Martha Hillier, Kathleen Jordan, Tom Moran, and Michael Lesslie.

The project is in its “nascent stages”, but the outlet noted: “It is unclear how involved Harry Potter author JK Rowling, who lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, has been with the process, but she is expected to be involved in the decision-making on the series, which she executive produces.”

Rowling has been a figure of controversy over the past five years, with her views often sparking backlash and accusations of transphobia – which she denies. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter in the films, spoke out publicly against the writer in an open letter in 2020.

News of Rowling working as an executive producer has been once again met with criticism across social media, although some aren’t shocked by it. “I don’t know why anyone would be surprised to hear this. JK Rowling has an iron grip on the franchise. *Nothing* Harry Potter-related gets made without her approval. It’s why untangling her transphobia from the brand is impossible,” one user wrote.

“I get you don’t like JK Rowling opinions/beliefs but you can’t sit here & be shocked when she gets attached to a project she CREATED herself. She 100% has every single right to be involved with anything that involves the wizarding world of HP,” another tweeted.

“Even if Rowling wasn’t on a demented transphobia campaign, a Harry Potter tv show is still a terrible idea. You want a 1:1 adaptation of the books? You need to see subplots like ‘Hermione tries to free slaves but they LOVE being slaves’ and ‘Harry and Ron do so much homework’?” a third wrote. “As much as Harry Potter means a lot to me as a person, especially because my grandmother introduced me to it, it’s pretty clear what it’s become to JK and WB; a cash cow. I’ll pass,” a fourth tweeted.

“Her being a transphobe aside this still doesn’t make much sense, she’s proven she has basically nothing left to give to this franchise, they should be letting new creatives breathe new life into the story which is what made the movies connect with audiences and become classics,” another posted.

You can find out anything else we know about the new Harry Potter TV show here.