A live-action Harry Potter TV series is reportedly in the works at HBO Max and it’s already copping backlash.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, executives at HBO Max have had a number of meetings with their writing team to potentially develop a television series inspired by the stories we fell in love with as children.
So far, we know precisely nothing about the rumoured new series, with no writers, cast or crew linked to the project yet. We also have no idea whether the series will be a Harry Potter series, or just another part of the Wizarding World franchise (like Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them).
The rumoured series is yet to be officially confirmed, with HBO Max and Warner Bros. both telling The Hollywood Reporter that “there are no Harry Potter series in development at the studio or on the streaming platform.” So you’ll have to take this all with a boulder-sized grain of salt for now.
Although Warner and HBO are yet to confirm the project, it’s hardly surprising to think that the companies would capitalise on the franchise, which is undoubtedly their most valuable entity.
The new series would be in addition to three more Fantastic Beasts sequels, which are likely to be added to the successful franchise in the coming years.
However, it’s worth noting that the Harry Potter franchise has a super complicated rights situation, with J.K Rowling still having a large input into anything related to the Wizarding World, which means nothing can really happen without her approval. Not to mention, she makes a hefty profit from anything Harry Potter-related.
But as we’ve seen with other Rowling-attached projects in recent years – like the upcoming Harry Potter MMORPG game – many fans have chosen to boycott the franchise because of Rowling’s transphobic views. And the new series is no exception.
Within minutes of being announced, the rumoured series copped heat on social media, with fans wanting more Harry Potter content but not wanting to financially support Rowling.
wanting more Harry Potter content but not wanting jk Rowling to make any money off it pic.twitter.com/719wM9v8n6
— bruh (@gimmekith) January 25, 2021
Although the franchise was an integral part of many of our childhoods, social media users were quick to point out that addressing the issue of transphobia is far more important than any television series.
“but harry potter means a lot to me” MY HEALTHCARE MEANS A LOT TO ME
— neil (@neilrklein) January 25, 2021
Oh, they’re making a Harry Potter series on HBO Max? Cool, now those fans can watch that in between re-reading the books again and not developing a personality.
— Peter Melnick & Other Delights (@PeterMelnick) January 25, 2021
The series is yet to be confirmed by HBO Max, but we’ll be sure to update you if and when it is.
