JK Rowling has made it clear she will not remove actors from the upcoming Harry Potter TV series based on their support for trans rights, following criticism of her involvement in the project.
The controversy began after actor Paapa Essiedu, cast as Severus Snape in HBO’s new reboot of the wizarding saga, added his name to a growing list of film and TV professionals urging the industry to protect trans rights. The letter, signed by over 400 figures including Eddie Redmayne, Bella Ramsey, and Nicola Coughlan, was released after the UK Supreme Court ruled that gender in law must be based on biological sex. The ruling was welcomed by Rowling but heavily criticised by LGBT+ advocacy groups.
Essiedu’s stance led to speculation that Rowling, a central figure in the series’ development, might use her influence to have him removed. An unnamed source later told the press that Rowling had no intention of interfering with casting, regardless of Essiedu’s position on the issue.
Rowling later addressed the rumors directly, saying she does not support punishing people for holding beliefs that differ from hers. She noted that lawful expression of beliefs should not lead to someone losing their job or livelihood. Her statement followed backlash against her celebratory post about the court ruling, which included a photo of her on a yacht with a drink and cigar, drawing attention for its provocative tone.
The series itself has faced criticism from fans and cast members alike, with concerns focused on Rowling’s public comments about gender identity. Though filming has yet to begin, the project has already sparked debate within the entertainment world. Critics have questioned why actors would join a Rowling-led production while openly supporting the trans community.
This tension is not new. Original Harry Potter stars like Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson have publicly supported trans rights, distancing themselves from Rowling’s views. Rowling later expressed disappointment with those former child actors, saying she would not forgive them for what she described as public betrayals.
Despite ongoing disputes about her views, Rowling remains deeply involved with the new series, which aims to bring the books to television in greater detail than the original films. The casting of Essiedu, a celebrated actor with a strong stage and screen background, marks a significant moment as the show begins to take shape.
While the divide between Rowling and parts of the fanbase and entertainment industry remains wide, her response to Essiedu’s activism suggests she may be seeking a more measured approach this time, even as controversy continues to follow the franchise.