Latest news with #U.K.SupremeCourt
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
J.K. Rowling Says ‘I Wouldn't' Fire Paapa Essiedu From HBO's ‘Harry Potter' for Supporting Trans Rights: ‘I Don't Have the Power' and ‘Wouldn't Exercise It If I Did'
J.K. Rowling said in a new post on X that she does not have the power to fire Paapa Essiedu from HBO's 'Harry Potter' television series, nor would she exercise such power if she had it. 'I May Destroy You' Emmy nominee Essiedu is set to play Severus Snape on the show. The actor recently signed an open letter condemning the U.K. Supreme Court for ruling that transgender women are not legally considered women and transgender men are not legally considered men. 'I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn't exercise it if I did,' Rowling wrote on X while sharing an article about Essiedu. 'I don't believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.' More from Variety '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' 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?' David Tennant Wishes J.K. Rowling 'No Ill Will,' But Hope She Will 'Get Out of People's Way' In the Transgender Community: 'Let People Be' Rowling has courted controversy since 2020 for regularly sharing beliefs on social media that many believe are transphobic. The author also uses platforms like X to regularly troll her critics and take aim at public figures (such as slamming John Oliver's comments on trans athletes). Both HBO and the new 'Harry Potter' cast have received backlash for getting into business with Rowling due to her anti-trans posts. 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 and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. When news broke that Essiedu signed an open letter in support of the trans community, many 'Harry Potter' fans wondered how Rowling might react. The letter was signed by other high-profile actors such as 'Bridgerton' star Nicola Coughlan, 'The Last of Us' actor Bella Ramsey and more. 'We the undersigned film and television professionals stand in solidarity with the trans, non-binary and intersex communities who have been impacted by the Supreme Court ruling on April 17,' the letter read. 'The Supreme Court's ruling that, under the Equality Act, 'woman' is defined by biological sex, states that 'the concept of sex is binary, a person is either a woman or a man'. We believe the ruling undermines the lived reality and threatens the safety of trans, non-binary and intersex people living in the UK.' 'Film and television are powerful tools for empathy and education, and we believe passionately in the ability of the screen to change hearts and minds,' the letter continued. 'This is our opportunity to be on the right side of history.' At a press event last year, Bloys told reporters that Rowling was 'very, very involved in the process' of 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.' Speaking on 'The Town' podcast earlier this month, Bloys stressed to 'Harry Potter' fans that the network's upcoming series will not be 'infused' with Rowling's controversial views on the transgender community. '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. '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.' The 'Harry Potter' series is expected to go into production later this year for a premiere sometime in 2026. Best of Variety Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Harry Potter star Warwick Davis is 'out of touch' with J. K. Rowling controversy: 'I don't tend to read the news'
Warwick Davis is excited for the upcoming Harry Potter series, but he's keeping out of the surrounding controversy with franchise creator J.K. Rowling. "I don't tend to read the news. It's kind of one of those things I just don't do," Davis, who played Professor Filius Flitwick in the Harry Potter films, told Entertainment Weekly on Wednesday at the opening of Universal Epic Universe in Orlando. "So, I'm kind of out of touch with what's going on. It's not really something I'm particularly interested in — producing entertainment is what I do." Rowling, a self-described TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist), has repeatedly received criticism over the years for voicing anti-trans rhetoric, with original Harry Potter film stars like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint even speaking out against her views. Most recently, the author publicly celebrated an April 16 U.K. Supreme Court ruling that excludes transgender women from the legal definition of a woman under Britain's Equality Act. The move drew vocal criticism from various fronts, including Fantastic Four and Last of Us actor Pedro Pascal, who slammed Rowling in the comments section of a recent Instagram video from activist Tariq Ra'ouf, calling her a "heinous loser." Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan also publicly rebuked the U.K. Supreme Court ruling and Rowling. Coughlan shared a link to an article on The Cut on an Instagram Story, which she titled "This Is a New Low for J.K. Rowling," and wrote on the post: "Keep your new Harry Potter, lads. Wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot pole." In the wake of the backlash, HBO's Casey Bloys, the chairman and CEO of content at HBO and Max, addressed concerns that the new series would reflect Rowling's anti-trans sentiment. "Harry Potter is not being secretly infused with anything," he said on The Town podcast. "And she's entitled to those views. And I think people are pretty clear that she's entitled to them." He added, "And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter."Knowledge of controversy aside, Davis remains optimistic about the new series coming from HBO. "I love the Harry Potter stories [and] the whole concept of what Harry Potter stands for," Davis told EW. "So to see a new retelling of that story can only be a good thing." Mark Mylod, a key figure on HBO's Succession, will serve as an executive producer for the upcoming series and direct several episodes. The series will be overseen by showrunner, writer, and executive producer Francesca Gardiner, a veteran of programs like Killing Eve and His Dark Materials. Rowling will also step into an executive producer role. A press release emphasized how the new series will serve as a spacious vessel for the beloved book series, claiming it will be filled with "fantastic detail" as it "[explores] every corner of the wizarding world." The series is expected to begin filming later this year. —Additional reporting by Joey Nolfi Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pedro Pascal's Sister, Lux Pascal, Gives Honest Answer to People Asking If Her Brother Is as Kind as They Think He Is
Lux Pascal opened up about brother Pedro Pascal's positive reputation as well as his support for her and the LGBTQ+ community Pedro has publicly supported sister Lux, who came out as transgender in 2021 The actor recently made a jab at J.K. Rowling, calling the author out for her 'disgusting behavior' after she supported an anti-transgender ruling in the U.K. Pedro Pascal is actually as kind as he seems, according to actress and sister, Lux Pascal. Lux, 32, opened up about the love and support they share for one another with The Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet of Madrid's Platino Awards on Sunday, April 27. "I'm incredibly proud," Lux said of her brother's success, which includes currently starring in The Last of Us and soon appearing in Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps. "But the thing is that I've always known that he is a superstar," Lux added of Pedro, 50. "It's funny because people have been asking me, 'Is he as kind as we think he is?' And I'm like, 'Yes!'" Pedro, who is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, recently made headlines for criticizing t J.K. Rowling, 59, as the author celebrated the U.K. Supreme Court's April 16 ruling that transgender women should not be recognized as women under Britain's Equality Act. Lux, an actress and activist who graduated from The Juilliard School in New York City in 2023, came out as a transgender woman in February 2021. In the Instagram video, Palestinian activist Tariq Ra'ouf explained Rowling's role in the ruling — she financially backed the campaign group For Women Scotland, which brought the legal challenges to court — and called for a boycott of 'Harry Potter-related' projects and experiences. Ra'ouf also called out Rowling's recent post celebrating the ruling with a cigar and drink in hand on X, as she wrote: 'I love it when a plan comes together. #SupremeCourt #WomensRights." In response, Pascal wrote under the video: 'Awful disgusting SH-- is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behavior.' Related: Pedro Pascal Stands by Transgender Sister with 'Protect the Dolls' T-Shirt Designed to Support Transgender Women Lux described her brother as someone who "wears all of his humanity on his sleeve" and "doesn't hide who he is," touching on his support not just for her but for the LGBTQ+ community overall. 'And I think that's refreshing, because usually we move around the world hiding who we are. That's the main lesson I've gotten from him: there's no reason for me to hide who I am, right? And I think people are seeing that," Lux added. 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. Lux publicly came out as a trans woman in a cover story for Spanish-language Ya magazine. In the feature, she opened up about her transition for the first time while sharing that her family had been incredibly supportive of her transition. Lux explained that it was 'something that's very natural for everyone in my family." She added, "It's almost something that they expected to happen." Pedro proudly shared a photo of Lux's Ya cover story on his Instagram, sharing the news of her transition with his followers. In the caption, he expressed his love for his sister, writing, "Mi hermana, mi corazón, nuestra Lux," which translates to, "my sister, my heart, our Lux." Read the original article on People
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
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.
