The series Harry Potter promises to be a unique event when it releases in 2027 on HBO and HBO Max. In addition to the difficulty for this new project to bear comparison with the saga of the 2000s, the author JK Rowling is no longer really in the odor of sanctity since her positions against transgender people on social networks. A potential communications crisis awaits the American channel, between calls for a boycott and difficulties for actors to express themselves on the controversies.
Even before the first images of the series were shared, John Lithgow gave his feelings on the issue. In a long interview for the New York Timesthe new interpreter of Albus Dumbledore wants to clarify things. He has not met the author and does not share her opinions. The man who stars in a film featuring a transgender character explains that he accepted the role because the literary saga is “a story against intolerance and bigotry”. On the other hand, he confides that he considered leaving the series, but ultimately made the choice to stay. He accepts without rancor: “in every interview I give for the rest of my life, this topic will be discussed.”
Warner Bros has a thorn in its side
John Lithgow’s statements are a reminder of the challenges that the series will have to overcome upon its release. If the saga Harry Potter still has its fans around the world, many of them have turned their backs on Rowling and now completely reject the adventures of the little wizard with glasses. JK Rowling is still involved in the exploitation of the saga, even if she will not act as screenwriter as she was able to do on Fantastic Beasts. She is an executive producer and should above all receive part of the profits generated by HBO with this new adaptation of the novels.
Some have called for these financial fallout to be minimized by boycotting derivative products. This was the case in 2023 with the release ofHogwarts Legacy at Avalanche Software and Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment. At the time, the studio clarified that the creator of the magical world was not involved in the game’s development process and that it would be possible “to use inclusive options, allowing the creation of trans characters”.
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Whatever happens to the series Harry Potterwhether it is disowned by part of the public or praised by others, Warner Bros is heading into a media imbroglio which could last a decade. Remember that this is not the first time that the studio has had to face this situation, the documentary Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts was released a few months after the discovery of the author’s transphobic tweets. She did not make an appearance in the meeting.
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