Warner Bros. Discovery announced a new Harry Potter television series on Wednesday with series creator J.K. Rowling involved. During the announcement, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max content Casey Bloys declined to comment on the authorâs views.
Speaking during a Q&A session with the press after the announcement (via Variety), Bloys was asked about the ability to find talent for the series based on Rowlingâs involvement. The author of the books has become a largely controversial figure for repeatedly sharing her views that trans women are not women and trans men are not men. Bloys didnât offer up much on the topic, instead saying that their priority is whatâs on the screen.
âNo, I donât think this is the forum,â Bloys stated. âThatâs a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something weâre going to get into. Our priority is whatâs on the screen. Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. Thatâs our priority â whatâs on screen.â
Bloys also didnât offer up much in terms of how Rowling will be involved beyond simply saying she would be, and that getting into business with the Harry Potter franchise is not something thatâs been new for them.
â[Rowling] will be involved. Sheâs an executive producer on the show,â said Bloys. âHer insights are going to be helpful on that. The TV show is new and weâre excited about that, but, remember, weâve been in the [Harry Potter] business for 20 years. This is not a new decision for us, weâre very comfortable being in the [Harry Potter] business.â
The seven-book Harry Potter series was adapted into eight films that earned over $7 billion at the worldwide box office. Warner Bros. also has the Fantastic Beasts prequel series of films under its belt.
