JK Rowling makes her feelings on HBO’s Harry Potter clear as people vow to boycott show

JK Rowling has given the new Harry Potter series her seal of approval following the release of its latest teaser trailer. But while HBO has continued to publicly stand behind the author, her support of the reboot has sparked a fresh wave of criticism.

On Wednesday, September 2, HBO dropped a lengthier trailer for season one of the show, officially titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It introduces the brand new cast taking over the roles formerly portrayed in the 2000s movie series. 

There’s been plenty of debate about how similar the series looks to the original films, but one person who is clearly impressed is Rowling. The author shared the teaser on X shortly after it was released, alongside heart, owl and lightning emojis. 

It’s not the first time Rowling has publicly backed the Harry Potter adaptation. As the executive producer and rights owner, she’s been working alongside the creative team. Last year, she wrote on X that she’d read the first two episodes and described it as “so, so, so good”. 

And it looks like the support goes both ways, as HBO has made no attempt to distance itself from the author and her views. Just past the 50-second mark in the trailer, text across the screen reads, “Based on the beloved books by J. K. Rowling.”

JK Rowling’s involvement continues to spark controversy 

Her support comes amid a fresh wave of backlash as former Harry Potter fans call on others to boycott the series. It’s no secret that Rowling has become an increasingly controversial figure due to her views on sex and gender. 

Since 2020, the author has repeatedly spoken out about transgender issues and has used some of her fortune to provide financial and legal support for individuals and groups challenging trans-inclusive spaces, policies and workplace guidelines.

Despite denying being transphobic, Rowling’s words and actions have been widely condemned by LGBTQ+ rights groups as anti trans.

When a number of the Harry Potter film cast members spoke in support of trans rights after Rowling’s tweets on gender identity in 2020, she responded by referring to Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson as “celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights.”

These issues have continued to follow the new Harry Potter adaptation, and after she shared the latest trailer, several used the replies to reiterate that they won’t be watching.

“You’re entitled to say what you want. We are entitled to not buy any of your books, games, shows or tacky merchandise,” said one. “Freedom of speech isn’t freedom of consequence. You used to be my hero, now you’re a petty and sarcastic bigot who makes Umbridge pale in comparison.”

The nostalgia of Harry Potter is never worth the lives and well being of Trans people. SKIP IT. https://t.co/HkBtp54sxU

— India (@SlightMenance) September 2, 2026

Another more bluntly wrote, “Soulless slop from a hateful tw*t. Not even worth watching the trailer.”

Beyond the comments section, one person wrote in response to the teaser, “Even if JKR wasn’t a transphobic pos, what’s interesting about this? HP fans are complaining that everything is virtually the same. 

“Do not give your money to a soulless cash grab of a washed franchise where they didn’t even bother to change things up. Don’t fund transphobia.”

Another added, “The nostalgia of Harry Potter is never worth the lives and well being of Trans people. SKIP IT.”

That’s not to say the response has been universally negative. Plenty of Harry Potter fans have praised the teaser and expressed their excitement for the series, highlighting just how divided the franchise’s audience is. 

But the sheer amount of people who are choosing not to watch it is noticeable, and it’s not just former Harry Potter fans. 

In response to a Threads post asking who’s watching the series when it drops, Stand By Me star Wil Wheaton wrote, “As so many have said, f**k no we aren’t, we are standing with trans people.”

Film Shrine has contacted HBO for comment. 

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Featured image credit: HBO/X/JK Rowling