Entertainment Desk: JK Rowling has voiced strong support for HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” television adaptation, calling the first two episodes “So, so, so good!” in a recent post on X. Though she’s not writing for the series directly, Rowling confirmed she’s been “working closely with the extremely talented writers.”
The series, announced in 2023, will reimagine Rowling’s beloved books, with each season dedicated to a single book. HBO CEO Casey Bloys had earlier stressed Rowling’s active involvement in the development process, particularly in selecting showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod.
The new cast features Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout as Harry, Hermione, and Ron respectively. Veteran actors like John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu and Nick Frost will take on major roles, including “Albus Dumbledore,” “Minerva McGonagall,” “Severus Snape,” and “Rubeus Hagrid.”
Rowling again drew attention in May when she responded to Essiedu signing an open letter criticizing a U.K. Supreme Court ruling that denied legal recognition to transgender identities. Despite their opposing views, she defended Essiedu’s right to speak out.
Filming of the new “Harry Potter” series is expected to begin later this year, with a release planned for 2026.
