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AsiaOne
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
JK Rowling insists she won't fire Paapa Essiedu from Harry Potter over his support for trans community , Entertainment News
JK 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 wouldn'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 JK Rowling is not new for us. "We've been in business for 25 years. We already have a show on HBO from her called CB 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." [[nid:714611]]
Hindustan Times
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Harry Potter TV series is ‘not being secretly infused' with anti-trans views despite J.K. Rowling's involvement
The highly anticipated Harry Potter series is moving forward without any influence from author J.K. Rowling's controversial statements on transgender issues, according to Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of content at HBO and Max. Speaking on The Town podcast Thursday, Casey addressed concerns around J.K.'s views, which have drawn intense backlash in recent years—even from the film franchise's leading stars, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. 'Harry Potter is not being secretly infused with anything. And she's entitled to those views. And I think people are pretty clear that she's entitled to them,' Bloys said during the podcast. Just weeks ago, JK publicly supported a ruling by the U.K. Supreme Court that excluded transgender women from the legal definition of "woman" under the Equality Act. Her stance sparked renewed criticism, continuing a pattern of public scrutiny tied to her remarks on gender identity. A post shared by Harry Potter (@harrypotter) During a 'lightning round' segment on the podcast, Casey was asked directly if JK's views concerned him. 'No,' he replied. 'You know, I've said this before, but the decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We've been in business for 25 years.' He also noted the network's long-running collaboration with the BBC on CB Strike, a detective drama based on JK Rowling's novels written under a pseudonym. 'I think it's pretty clear those are her personal political views. She's entitled to them. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter,' Bloys added. Casting details for the series were confirmed in April. John Lithgow will portray Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer will take on the role of Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu will play Severus Snape, and Nick Frost has been cast as Rubeus Hagrid. Luke Thallon is set to play Quirinus Quirrell, with Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. However, several major roles are still under wraps, including those of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the dark wizard Lord Voldemort.
Indian Express
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Harry Potter series to steer clear of JK Rowling's anti-trans views, says HBO boss after Pedro Pascal calls her a ‘heinous loser'
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).
