Harry Potter series to steer clear of JK Rowling's anti-trans views, says HBO boss after Pedro Pascal calls her a ‘heinous loser'

Indian Express

03-05-2025

Harry Potter fans are divided over JK Rowling's involvement in the upcoming television reboot of the series. Rowling has been widely criticised for her anti-trans remarks, which have drawn criticism from industry insiders, including the three main stars of the Harry Potter film series. One such critic is The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal, who slammed the author as a 'heinous loser' for celebrating the UK's recent move to limit trans rights. As the debate surrounding the new Harry Potter series heats up, HBO boss Casey Bloys recently appeared on The Town podcast and declared that the series won't be 'secretly infused with anything.' The casting for the series has already begun, with half of the cast confirmed, though the search for the lead roles is still ongoing.
Bloys made it clear, saying, (via Variety) 'The decision to team up with JK Rowling is nothing new for us. We've been working together for 25 years.' He was referring to their long-standing partnership, which has led to the upcoming Harry Potter series, based on the books that have already inspired eight blockbuster movies, raking in $7.7 billion worldwide. HBO's chief content officer mentioned that the network has already worked with Rowling on the show CB Strike, adding that, 'She's entitled to her personal views.' When asked if he is worried about the series, he emphasised that the new Harry Potter series will not secretly carry any beliefs, saying, 'If you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.'
Bloys was asked if he had seen Rowling's recent 'hate' comments on social media, to which he replied that while he's aware of her controversial statements, he doesn't pay much attention to her social media account. When pressed again if he had seen other HBO stars, like Pascal, react to her comments, Bloys said no.
Earlier, Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, who was approached for the upcoming Harry Potter series, made it clear she 'won't touch it with a 10-foot pole.' This came after JK Rowling posted on Twitter, 'I love it when a plan comes together,' with a picture of raising a glass of champagne alluding to the UK's Supreme Court ruling, which stated that trans women might not be legally considered women and that 'sex' should be defined as biological sex. In the same post, she took a shot at her critics, adding, 'I get the same royalties whether you read [my books] or burn them. Enjoy your marshmallows!' Later, in response to activist Tariq Ra'ouf's post calling for a ban on the Harry Potter series, Pedro Pascal chimed in, saying, 'Awful disgusting S**T is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behaviour.'
This is not the first time JK Rowling has drawn ire from celebrities. Her anti-trans views have even sparked backlash from Harry Potter movie stars like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. But HBO, according to Bloys, is focused on the series itself. During a press event last year, Bloys mentioned that Rowling is very involved in selecting key people for the show, including during the selection of showrunners Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, but it hasn't impacted any of the talent or writers brought on board. '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,' he said.
Speaking of the cast, HBO recently dropped the list of actors joining the new Harry Potter series. This includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. However, they are still looking for actors who would fit in the roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron (the three main characters).