HBO is developing a new TV series adaptation of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter book and film series. The British author is involved in the project, and in the face of widespread controversy over her transphobic comments, many fans and trans advocates are calling for a boycott of the upcoming series. The young wizard's mother has just spoken out about Paapa Essiedu, the actor who has been chosen to play Severus Snape for the American network.
The Harry Potter series is causing a lot of ink to flow
HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series hasn't even been released yet, but it's causing a lot of talk. Starting with the announcement of the first names in its cast. Among them, Paapa Essiedu, who has been chosen to play Severus Snape, a character played in the cinema by the late Alan Rickman. Additionally, J.K. Rowling's detractors have been vocal when they learned that the writer was heavily involved in the project as an executive producer. She has been heavily criticized by the transgender community and its advocates due to the various controversies sparked by her transphobic remarks. Recently, she has drawn criticism from Pedro Pascal and Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, after the British author celebrated on X-rated TV a decision by the UK Supreme Court on the question of the legal definition of women.
An open letter denouncing the writer's position was published and signed by, among others, Eddie Redmayne of Fantastic Beasts, Katie Leung (Cho Chang) and Paapa Essiedu. J.K. Rowling responded by implying that these actors from the franchise had "stabbed her in the back" by signing the letter.
Is J.K. Rowling ready to fire Paapa Essiedu? The Harry Potter author responds
Upon noticing the signature of Paapa Essiedu, the future Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series, rumors began to circulate, speculating that J.K. Rowling, due to her involvement in the HBO series, intended to fire the actor from I May Destoy You and Black Mirror. Reposting the article in question on X, the 59-year-old writer addressed the rumor: I don't have the power to sack an actor from the show, and I wouldn't exercise it if I could. I don't believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine. pic.twitter.com/nKcAl3gcvO
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 5, 2025Recently, HBO CEO Casey Bloys spoke out to reassure fans that Rowling's opinions did not interfere with the production of the Harry Potter series. He also offered his support, saying she had the right to her own opinions.
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