Several news outlets learned of a Harry Potter series in development at HBO Max on Monday, but the immediate response from many fans was outrage at author J.K. Rowling. Rowling has a history of transphobia that has only escalated in recent years, causing many fans to turn their backs on her work. Many vowed not to watch any new shows that would benefit her financially.
Rowling has spoken out against transgender rights in recent years, and has only doubled down on those stances even when fans are disappointed in them. Last summer, the author posted a lengthy essay on her website defending her positions and citing some erroneous data for her fear that transgender rights would endanger cisgender women. Many fans had this in mind when they heard that a new Harry Potter series of some kind is in the works at HBO Max, according to a report by Variety. They also recalled that Rowling cannot be financially extricated from the franchise.
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Rowling created a global sensation the likes of which is rarely seen from a single writer. From the books to the movies and beyond, Harry Potter easily rivals intellectual properties like Marvel Comics or Disney classics. What sets Harry Potter apart, however, is that Rowling has maintained a tight grip on the franchise both creatively and financially.
Therefore, fans are mindful of the fact that any support for a Harry Potter show would support Rowling herself, enabling her to continue pushing her controversial anti-transgender agenda. Some argue that Rowling’s words carry real weight as well, such as in September of 2020 when the British government decided not to change its Gender Recognition Act to be more trans-inclusive.
Still, many fans find it hard to turn away entirely from a franchise that featured so heavily in their childhood. With a new Harry Potter project reportedly on the horizon, the backlash against Rowling may soon come to a head. Here is a look at what fans are saying now.
Profit
Okay see, thereโs a difference between still being a Harry Potter fan/keeping your fandom mementos while also denouncing JK Rowling,
โ steph ๐ญ (@queermurphys) January 25, 2021
and this, which is ACTIVELY giving her MORE money and not showing her any real consequences for her repeatedly HARMFUL transphobia.
Iโm tired. https://t.co/BcAR1DIbfe
Itโs time to do the โStop enabling JK Rowling from getting royalties challengeโ https://t.co/RvMvCM4Jlc
โ Barra | BLM (@ThatBmanGuy) January 25, 2021
*sees JK Rowling trending*
โ โ๏ธImani Gandy โ๏ธ (@AngryBlackLady) January 25, 2021
oh lordt what sort of daft nonsense about trans people is she spewing now.
*reads about harry potter live action series*
oh, you want me to watch something that’s going to put MORE money in her pocket?
I think the fuck not.
Coincidence
The coincidental timing on announce of the new live action Harry Potter show, JK Rowling trending, and the #transgender military ban being removed it…well. It’s a thing…. pic.twitter.com/OceqU15gvO
โ Solar ๐ฆ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฐ๐ณ๐ณ๐ข๐ฆ (@AKAKorra) January 25, 2021
Doubts
Harry Potter was the biggest part of my childhood and if it werenโt for the fact that JK Rowling is transphobic asshole I would be so excited for this but really…..whoโs even going to watch this now? Whatโs the point? https://t.co/h5ImGzGcfc
โ sara clements @ #sundance (@mildredsfierce) January 25, 2021
“JK Rowling is weirdly obsessed with bathrooms” is a good way to sum up a lot of drama she’s been in
โ Quinton Reviews ๐ฌ (@Q_Review) January 25, 2021
Alternative Pitches
we don’t want this we want a marauders series with no connection to jk rowling https://t.co/lAWiBvqWyH
โ mya (@DUNENATION) January 25, 2021
There was a time when I would have been elated, but please stop paying JK Rowling money. She uses her money to hurt the most vulnerable people in our society.
โ carina adly mackenzie (@cadlymack) January 25, 2021
Instead might I recommend adapting โCarry Onโ by Rainbow Rowell? Hogwarts vibes, but LGBTQ friendly! Do that! https://t.co/TD2WBdaHxU
jk rowling trending again so letโs bring back ursula k le guin reading her for filth pic.twitter.com/XQpLKSkgoE
โ chesmal emry (@r1ddhima) January 25, 2021
Influence
Ppl underestimate how much damage Jk Rowling does. Her influence grows every time a new Harry Potter project is announced. Bcos of her huge influence a law was literally passed in the uk harming trans people. So yes, it is very much like sheโs spreading anti-trans propaganda https://t.co/9gaYuUKoql
โ ๐๐๐จ๐ฃ โข Lewis ๐ท (@ljwr_) January 25, 2021
Remove Rowling
Me tryna figure out a way JK Rowling gets nothing from this show pic.twitter.com/TYS9ZH3zRE
โ ๐๐๐๐ ๐โ (@Neptune_Leo22) January 25, 2021
i wish cancel culture worked so we would stop hearing about jk rowling
โ dani strider (she/her) (@light__system) January 25, 2021
we really need to stop JK Rowling from getting royalties I donโt care what it takes pic.twitter.com/kx0U0IbwOv
โ ๐ข๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ (@fymSTEVE) January 25, 2021
Unavoidable
JK Rowling will profit from any and all new Harry Potter-related media. If you spend money consuming that media, you are giving JK Rowling money. That’s it. That’s the tweet.
โ Elle M. (they/them) (@ellle_em) January 25, 2021
Really REALLY bugs me that there will be a new Harry Potter series where transphobe JK Rowling will get royalties, because I genuinely love the franchise and actively hate JK.
โ Book Jockey (@AngelaLovesNY) January 25, 2021
