According to The Daily Mail’s Harriet Kean, J.K. Rowling is reportedly more involved in HBO’s upcoming big-budget Harry Potter television series than initially stated. While Rowling was named as an executive producer on the project, industry sources indicate that she has been contributing to the writers’ room, where scripts and storylines are being developed.
Rowling’s presence in the writers’ room comes amid a push for an “inclusive” casting process, as stated in a casting call that welcomed actors “regardless of ethnicity, disability, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity.” The show’s casting approach has drawn mixed reactions, with some critics arguing that it diverges from the franchise’s traditional portrayal and could potentially alienate its audience.
However, not all reactions have been supportive of Rowling’s involvement. Her critics have remained vocal due to her past comments on social media in regards to transgender rights. Amid these tensions, HBO executives have avoided addressing Rowling’s views directly, with HBO’s Casey Bloys declining to comment on her statements at a recent press conference.
Despite Rowling’s lack of writing credits in the original Harry Potter films, where screenwriters Steve Kloves and Michael Goldenberg adapted her novels, she played a supportive role in guiding the script. For the upcoming series, Succession writer Francesca Gardiner has been named as the lead writer, with filming expected to start next year.
The Harry Potter TV series is planned as a multi-season retelling of the beloved books, with the goal of exploring the story in greater depth over the span of a decade.
