JK Rowling says she’s ‘so happy’ with HBO Harry Potter series – despite fan backlash
The Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone trailer has received mixed reactions. (Aidan Monaghan/HBO/Stuart C. Wilson/Getty)
Not everyone shares Harry Potter author JK Rowling’s excitement about the upcoming HBO Harry Potter reboot series.
The first trailer for the forthcoming show dropped on Wednesday (25 March). JK Rowling has been involved in the development of the series and has consulted with studio executives during production.
Over the last few years, JK Rowling has gone from almost-universally beloved children’s author to a controversial and divisive figure, due to her regular comments about trans people and their rights.
“It’s going to be incredible. I’m so happy with it,” Rowling posted online, responding to a fan speaking about the show.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is set to premiere at or around Christmas 2026. However, the entire production is set to take 10 years to complete, with a series for each of Rowling’s seven books.
The show is set to follow the same narrative as the books and films, which starred Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. The synopsis reads: “On his 11th birthday, a letter of admittance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry opens up a hidden world for Harry: one of fun, friendship and magic.
“But with this new adventure comes great risk as Harry is forced to face a dangerous enemy from his past.”
‘THIS is my problem with all these remakes’
With the trailer’s release, early reactions are mixed. While some are confused about the need for a remake, others take issue with the show’s aesthetic.
“Wait so this is basically the movie into a tv series format? whyyyyy?” one commenter replied to the trailer.
“Why on earth would you attempt to recreate the original?” Another wrote.
They continued: “You could have created so many different stories is the universe. like make a story 300 years prior or something. It will literally be impossible to do anything “right” as it will always come off as a cheap [copy].”
Others also had major issues with the show’s visuals. “Because blue and washed out color isn’t good,” a self-described “retired colourist from the 90s” shared.
Sharing this perspective, others have put frames from the original movies side by side with the remakes. They captioned the post: “i can’t explain it, but THIS is my problem with all these remakes.”
A number of actors involved in the show have also faced significant backlash. John Lithgow has been criticised for taking on the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore.
Johnny Flynn came under fire after he was announced for the role of Lucius Malfoy in February.
Similarly, Nick Frost disabled comments on his announcement post when he was confirmed to be playing Rubeus Hagrid.
