‘Harry Potter’ Series Is ‘Not Secretly Being Infused’ With J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Beliefs, Says HBO Boss: ‘If You Want to Debate Her, You Can Go on Twitter’

HBO’s chief content officer Casey Bloys recently appeared on “The Town” podcast and stressed to “Harry Potter” fans that the network’s upcoming TV adaptation of J.K. Rowling‘s literary franchise will not be “infused” with the author’s controversial views on the transgender community. Both the network and the new “Harry Potter” cast have received backlash for getting into business with Rowling, who continues to post what many believe are transphobic comments on X. She also uses social media to regularly troll her critics and take aim at public figures (such as slamming John Oliver’s comments on trans athletes).

“The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We’ve been in business for 25 years,” Bloys said, nodding to the mega-successful “Harry Potter” film franchise that spawned eight movies, grossed $7.7 billion worldwide and launched spinoffs, video games and more.

Bloys was asked if Rowling’s views on the trans community made him worried for the show, to which he continued: “We already have a show on HBO from her called ‘C.B. Strike’ that we do with the BBC. It’s pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She’s entitled to them. ‘Harry Potter’ is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.”

At a press event last year, Bloys told reporters that Rowling was “very, very involved in the process selecting” showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod to lead the charge on the “Harry Potter” TV series. He added that Rowling’s anti-trans statements “haven’t affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff” for the show. A spokesperson for the network added in a statement to Variety at the time that Rowling’s “contribution” to the larger Warner Bros. Discovery company “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,” the statement continued. “J.K. 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.”

HBO confirmed last month the first round of cast members for the new “Harry Potter” series, including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Lithgow told The Times of London afterwards that he was surprised by the backlash that followed. A friend of the actor’s sent him an open letter asking him to walk away from the show due to Rowling’s involvement.

“I thought, ‘Why is this a factor at all?’ I wonder how J.K. Rowling has absorbed it,” Lithgow said. “I suppose at a certain point I’ll meet her, and I’m curious to talk to her.”

When asked if the backlash has made him reconsider the role, Lithgow said, “Oh, heavens no.”