News | Entertainment
30 Jun 2025 18:22
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    JK Rowling "worked closely" with the writers of the HBO Harry Potter series

    The writer of the original wizarding franchise has clarified that she did not write the forthcoming spin-off series, but she did assist the team


    She posted to X: "I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!"

    When as follower asked if she penned the series, she replied: "No, but I've worked closely with the extremely talented writers."

    HBO chief Casey Bloys already claimed Rowling's own views - including her controversial anti-trans statements - won't influence the new show.

    He told The Town with Matthew Belloni podcast: "The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us.

    "We've been in business for 25 years. 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. If you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter."

    Bloys insisted the focus is on "what's on the screen", rather than any opinions away from the story.

    He added: "Our priority is what's on the screen. Obviously, the 'Harry Potter' story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That's our priority - what's on screen."

    Rowling also previously insisted she won't fire Paapa Essiedu from Harry Potter over his support for the trans community.

    The 35-year-old actor - who is set to play Severus Snape in the adaptation - was among more than 400 actors who signed their name on a petition which called for the UK's entertainment industry to provide protection for transgender people following the Supreme Court's ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex.

    Responding to an article pondering whether she'd remove him from the show over his views, she wrote on X: "I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series, and I wouldn't exercise it if I did.

    "I don't believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine."

    Rowling has been vocally anti-trans, and supported the Supreme Court's ruling.

    Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson - who played Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger in the original film franchise - have all spoken out in support of trans people.

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     29 Jun: Kneecap play Glastonbury set amid terrorism charge as police investigate crowd chants
     28 Jun: Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Harvey Weinstein cases test the limits and legacy of #MeToo movement
     27 Jun: Charlize Theron's daughter was reduced to tears by her mullet
     27 Jun: Demi Lovato is releasing her first cookbook
     27 Jun: Sharon Osbourne believes that Ozzy Osbourne's fans will "carry him" through Black Sabbath's farewell gig
     27 Jun: John Cena called out a fan for filming him without permission
     27 Jun: Tom Brady is reportedly set to attend Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's lavish Italian wedding
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Tamaiti Williams has become the latest All Black to play through the pain in a Super Rugby final - then pay for it later More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Transpower's dispelling worries Kiwis might not have enough power next winter More...



     Today's News

    Law and Order:
    A 31-year-old man's in custody - in connection to a homicide investigation into a man's death, after being found critically injured in Auckland's Otahuhu 18:07

    Business:
    Transpower's dispelling worries Kiwis might not have enough power next winter 18:07

    Netball:
    The Stars' horror run with injuries is continuing in netball's ANZ Premiership 17:57

    Rugby:
    Tamaiti Williams has become the latest All Black to play through the pain in a Super Rugby final - then pay for it later 17:27

    Education:
    I went back to teaching after working for myself 17:07

    Tennis:
    Tennis world number two Carlos Alcaraz is determined to hit the ground running as his quest for a third straight Wimbledon crown gets underway overnight 16:57

    Business:
    China's EV newcomer Xiaomi sells nearly 300,000 SUVs in an hour 16:57

    International:
    China forces young Tibetan children to indoctrination boarding schools to push state propaganda, report finds 16:47

    National:
    Unsafe and unethical: bed shortages mean dementia patients with psychiatric symptoms are admitted to medical wards 16:17

    Business:
    House prices have remained static since January 16:17


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd