HBO CEO Calls J.K. Rowling Transphobia Controversy ‘Very Online Conversation’ Ahead of Harry Potter Max Reboot

HBO and Max CEO Casey Bloys brushed aside questions about J.K. Rowling’s involvement with Max’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot, calling the ongoing controversy a “very online conversation” and affirming the platform’s commitment to Harry Potter.

During a Q&A following Warner Bros’ recent presentation (via Variety), which saw it announce Harry Potter, a Game of Thrones prequel, and other projects, Bloys responded to whether Rowling’s role as an executive producer would impact the ability to find talent for the series. Rowling has been vocal about her anti-trans sentiments on social media and elsewhere, including casting transgender women as predators.

Rowling’s remarks have sparked backlash from organizations such as The Trevor Project and Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, who has affirmed his support for transgender people.

That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into.

Bloys shrugged off these concerns, which have engulfed the series for several years now, saying that HBO’s priority is “what’s on screen.”

“No, I don’t think this is the forum,” Bloys said. “That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into.”

“Our priority is what’s on the screen,” Bloys continued. “Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That’s our priority — what’s on screen.”

Regarding Rowling’s involvement, Bloys said “her insights are going to be helpful on [the upcoming series].”

Max’s Harry Potter reboot is the latest project in the series to cope with Rowling’s attacks on transgender people. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore minimized Rowling’s role in the credits, and Hogwarts Legacy, which released earlier this year, didn’t involve her at all.

Regarding Warner Bros.’ stance on Harry Potter, Bloys said, “The TV show is new and we’re excited about that, but remember, we’ve been in the Potter business for 20 years. This is not a new decision for us, we’re very comfortable being in the Potter business.”

Max’s Harry Potter series will seek to retell the story of the original seven books in a televised format, with a specific focus on being “faithful” to the original series. It will feature a new cast and a massive 10-year-commitment, with Rowling serving as an executive producer.

Bloys said the series is still seeking writers, calling it the “next step” for the project.

“We have been trying to be very close to the vest,” Bloys said. “But we haven’t gone out to agencies yet. We have our own internal process where we’ve been thinking about people, but we have not wanted to go out into the world saying, ‘Who do you have?’ But now that the news is out, we will start.”

Max’s Harry Potter reboot does not have a release date.