HBO confirm JK Rowling will have big part in developing new Harry Potter series

November 23rd, 2024 by Marc Comments

It looks like Harry Potter creator and writer JK Rowling will be heavily involved in the development of the new TV series at HBO, despite her comments four years ago about trans people which some considered controversial.

While a few have been hoping Rowling wouldn’t be involved in the new series, it seems that HBO has seen sense in making sure the creator of the franchise has a say in the development and direction of the show.

Addressing Rowling’s involvement, HBO chief Casey Bloys has gone on record saying Rowling is “very, very involved in the process selecting the writer and the director.

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Bloys made it clear that any controversy over the writer’s beliefs “haven’t affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff”.

An HBO spokesperson added in a statement that they have worked with her for two decades and that “her contribution has been invaluable”.

The statement reads: “We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to 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.”

While the Fantastic Beasts movies, which were overseen by Rowling, were less than massive, the core Harry Potter world is huge and fans of all ages see it as a modern-day Star Wars or Lord of the Rings, so having the person who created and understands that world better than anyone over seeing a new series which is expected to run for years and no doubt have spin-offs, games, books etc, isn’t only a good idea, it’s the only idea that makes sense.

This news comes on the heels of the news that a sequel to hit Harry Potter game Hogwarts Legacy is being developed and will tie directly into the new series.

Thoughts, I know you have them and I want to hear them (I think)!

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Source: Variety

Marc is a self-confessed nerd. Ever since seeing Star Wars for the first time around 1979 he’s been an unapologetic fan of the Wars and still believes, with Clone Wars and now Underworld, we are yet to see the best Star Wars. He’s a dad of two who now doesn’t have the time (or money) to collect the amount of toys, comics, movies and books he once did, much to the relief of his long-suffering wife. In the real world he’s a graphic designer. He started Following the Nerd because he was tired of searching a million sites every day for all the best news that he loves and decided to create one place where you can go to get the whole lot. Secretly he longs to be sitting in the cockpit of his YT-1300 Corellian Transport ship with his co-pilot Chewie, roaming the universe, waiting for his next big adventure, but feels just at home watching cartoons with his kids….