The Boy Who Lived will take flight once more as itthat a new adaptation of is in the works.
Based on the popular series of by , the new series will be an HBO production, with the plan to adapt all seven of Rowling’s novels into one season each.
The books have, of course, already been turned into a series of wildly successful movies which starred , Emma Watson and from 2001 to 2011, generating over $7.7 billion (£6.1 billion) at the box office.
That’s not all, the franchise has also spanned theme park rides, spin-off movies, a West End play and most recently the hugely successful video game.
But many fans are wondering just what role the franchise creator has in the newly announced show, particularly as she has become a controversial figure in recent years.
Here’s what you need to know about her involvement in the series…
Is JK Rowling involved with the new Harry Potter TV series?
Yes – JK Rowling will be involved with the new HBO series in the role of executive producer, alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.
David Heyman – who produced the film franchise – is also currently in talks to executive produce.
The series was made official at a Warner Bros Discovery’s presentation to the press and investors on Wednesday, April 12, with the series set to air on Max, a new streaming service that will combine HBO Max and Discovery Plus.
‘We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,’ said Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO & Max Content.
‘Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon and it is clear there is such an enduring love and thirst for the Wizarding World.
‘In partnership with Warner Bros. Television and JK Rowling, this new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years.’
Of the announcement, Rowling said ‘Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series.’
While she had no direct involvement in the original movies, Rowling did have a producer and screenwriting credit on the Fantastic Beasts spin-off movies.
We can expect to see a book adapted in each season, with the show set to be produced over a span of 10 years, with a whole new cast filling out the classrooms of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The announcement has already been met with negativity from fans, with some choosing todue to Rowling’s controversial opinions on gender and women’s rights.
Rowling, 57, has expressed views that we should not dismiss biological sex and focus on gender identity as it will harm women’s rights.
She originally came forwardwhen she showed support for tax expert Maya Forstater, who was fired for tweeting that ‘men cannot become women’.
At the time, Rowling tweeted: ‘Dress however you please. Call yourself whatever you like. Sleep with any consenting adult who’ll have you. Live your best life in peace and security.
‘But force women out of their jobs for stating that sex is real? #IStandWithMaya #ThisIsNotADrill.’
She has since gone on to write more letters and tweets to reinforce her views, as well as appearing on podcasts – – to defend herself from the backlash.
‘When I first became interested and then deeply troubled by what I saw as a cultural movement that was illiberal in its methods and was very questionable in its ideas, I absolutely knew that if I spoke out, many people who had loved my books would be deeply unhappy with me,’ she said.
Many of the original Harry Potter stars including and Emma Watson have spoken in defense of the trans community.
Radcliffe, 33, who played the titular character, said: ‘Transgender women are women’ in a statement.
Watson, 32, who starred as Hermione Granger, has said: ‘Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned.’
Producers of the show have so far refused to comment on the situation, as Bloys declined to comment on during a Q&A.
‘No, I don’t think this is the forum. That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into,’ Bloys told .
‘Our priority is what’s on the screen, Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That’s our priority — what’s on screen.
‘Rowling will be involved. She’s an executive producer on the show. Her insights are going to be helpful on that’.
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