J.K. Rowling has 'right to express' views about trans people, HBO says amid 'Potter' casting

As casting for the upcoming "Harry Potter" TV series gets underway, more information has come out about controversial author J.K. Rowling's level of involvement in the show, which will stream on Max.

According to a statement from HBO provided to Hollywood trade publications Variety and TheWrap, Rowling's "contribution has been invaluable" to the company and the "Potter" show "will only benefit from her involvement" as executive producer.

"We have been working with J. K. Rowling and in the Harry Potter business for over 20 years," the statement read. "With millions of fans continuing to enjoy movies, games and experiences, we've had great success and her contribution has been invaluable. We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter – the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance."

"J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views," the statement continued. "We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement."

USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for HBO.

Rowling has been loudly criticized − and also ardently defended by supporters − for her anti-trans statements since 2019, when she voiced her support for Maya Forstater, a researcher who lost her job for stating that people cannot change their biological sex.

After Rowling penned a personal essay in June 2020 detailing her beliefs about "trans activism" and young people experiencing gender dysphoria eventually outgrowing them, several "Harry Potter" cast members publicly criticized her comments, which were deemed transphobic.

Many of Rowling's near-daily posts on X, formerly Twitter, offer her commentary on hot-button topics such as transgender women competing in sports and issues cisgender women face around the globe, which she has called "an assault on women's rights unparalleled in my lifetime."

In a recent post, Rowling described herself as a "left-leaning liberal who's fiercely anti-authoritarian."

J.K. Rowling's anti-trans views haven't affected casting or hiring, HBO says

Speaking with reporters on Nov. 12, HBO Chairman Casey Bloys reportedly said Rowling was "very involved in the process of selecting the writer and the director," according to Variety and Entertainment Weekly.

He added that Rowling's anti-trans statements have not "affected the casting or hiring of writers or production staff" for the show.

HBO's Bloys said a possible release for the "Potter" series would be early 2027, according to Entertainment Weekly, but he added, "We're just getting started with the writing and casting process."

Rowling turns on 'Potter' stars: Those who've criticized her anti-trans views 'can save their apologies'

When HBO announced an open casting call for its new Harry, Ron and Hermione in September, the network said it was "committed to inclusive, diverse casting" "without regard to ethnicity, sex, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law unless otherwise specifically indicated."

When the project was announced in April 2023, it was billed as a "faithful adaptation" of Rowling's beloved book series. In response, a number of fans of the franchise shared their dissatisfaction with Rowling holding a role as an executive producer, due to the author's anti-trans rhetoric.

The show will reportedly run for seven seasons — one for each "Harry Potter" book.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: J.K. Rowling 'has a right to express' her anti-trans views, HBO says