Warner Bros has defended JK Rowling’s “right to express her personal views” amid a prolonged transgender row.
The author was branded “transphobic” by activists in 2020 and shunned by the hand-picked stars of the Harry Potter films after sharing gender-critical views.
Criticism of the writer has kept up for years, but Warner Bros has defended Rowling’s right to free speech.
The public show of support comes after concerns that young actors sympathetic to gender ideology – the idea that people can self-identify as a man or woman – might boycott casting calls for the planned Harry Potter series, for which Rowling is advising.
In a statement, Warner Bros said: “We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter – the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance.
“JK Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
The statement, issued to the film magazine Variety, added that Rowling’s contribution to Warner Bros’ Harry Potter films had been “invaluable”.
The statement on the production which is expected to air in 2026 on HBO – which is owned by Warner Bros – came after rumours of a planned boycott by a cohort of fans who were offended by Rowling’s stance on trans issues.
The author first publicly voiced her opinion in 2020, when Rowling mocked a brand which used the term “people who menstruate” instead of “woman” in an online article.
She was accused of being transphobic, and clarified her comments by asserting: “Erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives.”
This provoked a backlash against her from Harry Potter cast members she had helped select for their life-changing roles.
Daniel Radcliffe claimed that Rowling’s view “erases the identity” of transgender people.
Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who played Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, soon spoke out stating that trans people should not be “constantly questioned” and should be allowed to live “without judgment”.
Rowling acted as executive producer on the Fantastic Beasts spin-off films, whose cast members, including Eddie Redmayne, also criticised her views.
In 2021, Warner Bros’ Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore appeared to “erase” Rowling’s name from the trailer, despite her co-writing the film.
Previous trailers for the film series had said “JK Rowling invites you” and “from writer JK Rowling”, but the 2021 release simply stated “Warner Bros invites you”.
Her name was reinstated in a subsequent trailer, and Warner Bros made a public statement in support of the author.
Last year, the company made clear its commitment to Rowling, naming her an executive producer on the planned TV adaptation of her Harry Potter series.
Casey Bloys, the chairman and chief executive of HBO and HBO Max, dismissed any concerns about Rowling as a “very online conversation”.
