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Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Harry Potter' Series Is ‘Not Secretly Being Infused' With J.K. Rowling's Anti-Trans Beliefs, Says HBO Boss: ‘If You Want to Debate Her, You Can Go on Twitter'
HBO's chief content officer Casey Bloys recently appeared on 'The Town' podcast and stressed to 'Harry Potter' fans that the network's upcoming TV adaptation of J.K. Rowling's literary franchise will not be 'infused' with the author's controversial views on the transgender community. Both the network and the new 'Harry Potter' cast have received backlash for getting into business with Rowling, who continues to post what many believe are transphobic comments on X. She also uses social media to regularly troll her critics and take aim at public figures (such as slamming John Oliver's comments on trans athletes). 'The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We've been in business for 25 years,' Bloys said, nodding to the mega-successful 'Harry Potter' film franchise that spawned eight movies, grossed $7.7 billion worldwide and launched spinoffs, video games and more. More from Variety Josh Hutcherson Joins Rachel Sennott HBO Comedy Series 'Gilded Age' Sets Season 3 Release Date, HBO Drops First Teaser John Lithgow Says He 'Absolutely' Didn't Expect Any J.K. Rowling Backlash After Joining HBO's 'Harry Potter' Series: 'Why Is This a Factor?' Bloys was asked if Rowling's views on the trans community made him worried for the show, to which he continued: 'We already have a show on HBO from her called 'C.B. Strike' that we do with the BBC. It's pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She's entitled to them. 'Harry Potter' is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.' At a press event last year, Bloys told reporters that Rowling was 'very, very involved in the process selecting' showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod to lead the charge on the 'Harry Potter' TV series. He added that Rowling's anti-trans statements 'haven't affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff' for the show. A spokesperson for the network added in a statement to Variety at the time that Rowling's 'contribution' to the larger Warner Bros. Discovery company 'has been invaluable.' 'We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance,' the statement continued. 'J.K. 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.' HBO confirmed last month the first round of cast members for the new 'Harry Potter' series, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Lithgow told The Times of London afterwards that he was surprised by the backlash that followed. A friend of the actor's sent him an open letter asking him to walk away from the show due to Rowling's involvement. 'I thought, 'Why is this a factor at all?' I wonder how J.K. Rowling has absorbed it,' Lithgow said. 'I suppose at a certain point I'll meet her, and I'm curious to talk to her.' When asked if the backlash has made him reconsider the role, Lithgow said, 'Oh, heavens no.' Best of Variety Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Netflix in May 2025
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
HBO Execs Defend Their Association With J.K. Rowling As New Harry Potter Series Starts Casting. There's A Lot At Stake
The world was undeniably once in love with Harry Potter. HBO hopes that it still is, despite its author's contentious opinions. The books have sold 230 million copies in the U.S. and 600 million worldwide, making it the bestselling book series of all time, according to U.S. publisher Scholastic (NASDAQ:SCHL). The Numbers show the film franchise having grossed over $9.5 billion. Now, however, the Potter brand has become a lightning rod for debate due to its author, J.K. Rowling's divisive views on transgender women. As HBO casts for the new Harry Potter series, executives have been forced to defend their decision to promote Rowling's most famous creation further. Don't Miss: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – 'The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We've been in business for 25 years,' HBO's chief content officer, Casey Bloys, said recently on 'The Town' podcast. According to Variety, HBO and the new cast members have already faced criticism for being involved with Rowling. On the podcast, Bloys was asked if he feared Rowling's trans views could affect the show's success. 'We already have a show on HBO from her called 'C.B. Strike' that we do with the BBC,' he responded, 'It's pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She's entitled to them. 'Harry Potter' is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.' Rowling's role in the new reboot is far from passive. Last year, Bloys told reporters that Rowling was 'very, very involved in the process of selecting' showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod for the new series. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — '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,' an HBO statement said. 'J.K. 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.' HBO is investing heavily in the new series, which it expects to enjoy the same success as its other top-rated shows. 'You know we make shows at this scale with 'House of the Dragon,' 'Game of Thrones,'" Bloys told Deadline in March. 'I imagine it will be that scale or higher. The shorter answer is whatever it takes to make a quality show.' Deadline reported that 'House of the Dragon' cost nearly $200 million with an additional $100 million spent on a marketing campaign for its debut season — the most ever in HBO's history. HBO is clearly hoping for a big return on their investment with Harry Potter. 'We've not been shy about our excitement around Harry Potter,' David Zaslav, CEO of HBO parent Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD), told said on the company's Q4 earnings call in 2023. 'I was in London a few weeks ago with Casey [Bloys] and Channing [Dungey, chair of Warner Bros Television] and we spent some real time with J.K. and her team,' he said. 'Both sides are just thrilled to be reigniting this franchise. Our conversations were great.'The success of the 'Harry Potter and The Cursed Child' stage production saw Rowling's production company earn $10.5 million in 2023, according to Deadline. Forbes reported that the London stage show has sold over 3 million tickets, and the Broadway and Chicago shows has grossed over $250 million to date, showing the continued appetite for Potter-related entertainment. According to the Times of London's 'Rich List', Rowling is a billionaire and would be wealthier had she not given away £200 million ($267 million) of her fortune in philanthropy. Bloys told Deadline he expects the HBO series to arrive in late 2026 or early 2027. Read Next: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? SCHOLASTIC (SCHL): Free Stock Analysis Report This article HBO Execs Defend Their Association With J.K. Rowling As New Harry Potter Series Starts Casting. There's A Lot At Stake originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
HBO Execs Defend Their Association With J.K. Rowling As New Harry Potter Series Starts Casting. There's A Lot At Stake
The world was undeniably once in love with Harry Potter. HBO hopes that it still is, despite its author's contentious opinions. The books have sold 230 million copies in the U.S. and 600 million worldwide, making it the bestselling book series of all time, according to U.S. publisher Scholastic (NASDAQ:SCHL). The Numbers show the film franchise having grossed over $9.5 billion. Now, however, the Potter brand has become a lightning rod for debate due to its author, J.K. Rowling's divisive views on transgender women. As HBO casts for the new Harry Potter series, executives have been forced to defend their decision to promote Rowling's most famous creation further. Don't Miss: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – 'The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We've been in business for 25 years,' HBO's chief content officer, Casey Bloys, said recently on 'The Town' podcast. According to Variety, HBO and the new cast members have already faced criticism for being involved with Rowling. On the podcast, Bloys was asked if he feared Rowling's trans views could affect the show's success. 'We already have a show on HBO from her called 'C.B. Strike' that we do with the BBC,' he responded, 'It's pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She's entitled to them. 'Harry Potter' is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.' Rowling's role in the new reboot is far from passive. Last year, Bloys told reporters that Rowling was 'very, very involved in the process of selecting' showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod for the new series. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — '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,' an HBO statement said. 'J.K. 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.' HBO is investing heavily in the new series, which it expects to enjoy the same success as its other top-rated shows. 'You know we make shows at this scale with 'House of the Dragon,' 'Game of Thrones,'" Bloys told Deadline in March. 'I imagine it will be that scale or higher. The shorter answer is whatever it takes to make a quality show.' Deadline reported that 'House of the Dragon' cost nearly $200 million with an additional $100 million spent on a marketing campaign for its debut season — the most ever in HBO's history. HBO is clearly hoping for a big return on their investment with Harry Potter. 'We've not been shy about our excitement around Harry Potter,' David Zaslav, CEO of HBO parent Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD), told said on the company's Q4 earnings call in 2023. 'I was in London a few weeks ago with Casey [Bloys] and Channing [Dungey, chair of Warner Bros Television] and we spent some real time with J.K. and her team,' he said. 'Both sides are just thrilled to be reigniting this franchise. Our conversations were great.'The success of the 'Harry Potter and The Cursed Child' stage production saw Rowling's production company earn $10.5 million in 2023, according to Deadline. Forbes reported that the London stage show has sold over 3 million tickets, and the Broadway and Chicago shows has grossed over $250 million to date, showing the continued appetite for Potter-related entertainment. According to the Times of London's 'Rich List', Rowling is a billionaire and would be wealthier had she not given away £200 million ($267 million) of her fortune in philanthropy. Bloys told Deadline he expects the HBO series to arrive in late 2026 or early 2027. Read Next: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? SCHOLASTIC (SCHL): Free Stock Analysis Report This article HBO Execs Defend Their Association With J.K. Rowling As New Harry Potter Series Starts Casting. There's A Lot At Stake originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Perth Now
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
JK Rowling won't fire Paapa Essiedu from Harry Potter for pro trans views
J.K. Rowling has insisted she won't fire Paapa Essiedu from 'Harry Potter' over his support for the trans community. The 34-year-old actor - who is set to play Severus Snape in HBO's upcoming adaptation of Rowling's wizard book series - was recently one of over 400 actors who signed their name on a petition which called for the UK's entertainment industry to protection transgender people following the Supreme Court's ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex. Responding to an article wondering if she'd remove him from the show over his views, she wrote on X: "I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series, and I would't exercise it if I did. "I don't believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.' Rowling has been vocally anti-trans, and supported the Supreme Court's ruling. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson - who played Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger in the original film franchise - have all spoken out in support of trans people. Daniel previously said on social media: "Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people.' Rupert has shared similar sentiments, while Emma wrote: "Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned.' Meanwhile, HBO chief Casey Bloys recently claimed Rowling's own views won't influence the new 'Harry Potter' show. He told 'The Town with Matthew Belloni' podcast: 'The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. 'We've been in business for 25 years. We already have a show on HBO from her called C.B. Strike that we do with the BBC. 'It's pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She's entitled to them. Harry Potter is not secretly being infused with anything. If you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter." Bloys insisted the focus is on "what's on the screen", rather than any opinions away from the story. He added: "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.'
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Harry Potter Series Will Not Be 'Secretly Infused' with J.K. Rowling's 'Personal Political Views,' Says HBO Chief
The head of HBO is speaking out following backlash over J.K. Rowling's latest anti-transgender comments. Casey Bloys, the CEO of the network, weighed in on the Harry Potter author's involvement in the upcoming HBO series on the April 30 episode of The Town podcast, days after Nicola Coughlan and Pedro Pascal both slammed Rowling, 59, for her support of the U.K. Supreme Court ruling that trans women are not legally women. "The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We've been in business for 25 years," Bloys said on the podcast, after he was asked if he's constantly monitoring the author's X account to see what else she posts. "We already have a show on HBO from her called C.B. Strike that we do with the BBC." Related: Who's Going to Be in the Harry Potter Series? See the New Actors Side-by-Side with the Original Cast As it relates to the upcoming series adaptation of her bestselling book series — which Rowling serves as an executive producer on — Bloys clarified, "Harry Potter is not being secretly infused with anything." "I think it's pretty clear that those are her personal political views. She's entitled to them," he added. "And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter." Rowling first faced backlash in 2020 over anti-transgender comments she made on X, which has since then become a frequent point of conflict for many of the Harry Potter movie stars. Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe all spoke out in support of the transgender community quickly afterwards. Related: Jason Isaacs Thinks His Turn as Lucius Malfoy Will Be 'Long Forgotten' by 'This Time Next Year' Thanks to New Harry Potter Series Controversy over the author has again caught steam amid HBO's development of the new Harry Potter series, as well as in response to her April tweets, which Pascal slammed as "awful" and disgusting" as he called Rowling a "heinous loser." John Lithgow, who will play the iconic Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the series, didn't have a very strong stance on the subject, though. He told The Times that he "absolutely" did "not" expect to face questions about the author's political views when he took on the role, and instead found himself wondering, "Why is this a factor at all?" Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "I wonder how J.K. Rowling has absorbed it. I suppose at a certain point I'll meet her and I'm curious to talk to her," Lithgow, 79, said. When asked point-blank if the backlash made him rethink the gig, he said, 'Oh, heavens no.' Read the original article on People
