The announcement of a new Harry Potter TV series by Max has sparked mixed reactions from fans of the beloved franchise. While some are excited to see the books adapted into a full season of television for each installment, others are threatening to boycott the show because of the involvement of J.K. Rowling, the author of the original novels.
Rowling, who has been criticized for her controversial views on gender and transgender issues, is set to executive produce the reboot along with Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts. The author has faced backlash from many of her fans and some of her former cast members, who have denounced her statements as anti-trans and harmful.
However, Rowling does not seem to be bothered by the prospect of losing viewers for the new TV series. In a recent tweet, she mocked those who are planning to boycott her work, saying that she has prepared a large stock of champagne for the occasion.
“Dreadful news, which I feel duty bound to share,” Rowling wrote on Twitter. “Activists in my mentions are trying to organize yet another boycott of my work, this time of the ‘Harry Potter’ TV show. As forewarned is forearmed, I’ve taken the precaution of laying in a large stock of champagne.”
Dreadful news, which I feel duty bound to share. Activists in my mentions are trying to organise yet another boycott of my work, this time of the Harry Potter TV show. As forewarned is forearmed, I've taken the precaution of laying in a large stock of champagne.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) April 21, 2023
Rowling’s tweet has received over 100,000 likes and 20,000 retweets, as well as thousands of comments from supporters and detractors alike. Some praised her for standing up for her beliefs and expressing her sense of humor, while others accused her of being insensitive and arrogant.
Meanwhile, Jim Broadbent, who played Professor Slughorn in the Harry Potter films, has come out in defense of Rowling, calling her “amazing” and saying that he would support her if needed. Broadbent is one of the few original cast members who have spoken positively about Rowling, along with Helena Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes.
“It’s really sad,” Broadbent told The Telegraph about the backlash against Rowling. “I think J.K. Rowling is amazing. I haven’t had to confront [the backlash] myself, but I would support her in that, I think, if it came to it.”
The new Harry Potter TV series is expected to feature a more diverse cast than the original movies, and to explore new aspects of the wizarding world. No release date or casting details have been announced yet.
