News | Entertainment
27 Jul 2025 4:55
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
     26 Jul: Gwyneth Paltrow becomes Astronomer 'spokesperson' after Coldplay concert saga
     26 Jul: Sacha Baron Cohen insists he was "only joking" when he claimed to have used Ozempic to help achieve his new muscular physique for a Marvel role
     26 Jul: Hulk Hogan spent the last two years of his life fully embracing his Christian faith
     26 Jul: Wendy Williams' birthday wish is to be released from her court-ordered guardianship and return to work
     26 Jul: Hulk Hogan's ex-wife Linda Hogan gushed about sharing "good old days" with the wrestling icon days before his death
     26 Jul: Chuck Mangione, the legendary jazz musician behind the international hit single Feels So Good, has died aged 84
     26 Jul: Amy Winehouse's parents have reunited to pay tribute to the singer 14 years after her death
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is unsurprised by the selection of English playmaker Owen Farrell in the British and Irish Lions side for tonight's second test in Melbourne More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    The South Island appears to be charting a faster road to economy recovery than the North Island More...



     Today's News

    Politics:
    Opposition Leader, Chris Hipkins, is pushing back on adjustments to the electoral roll process 21:56

    International:
    Thai-Cambodian fighting extends into third day despite ceasefire calls 21:26

    Environment:
    Fire crews have put out a fire at a Mitre 10 store in West Auckland 21:16

    Cricket:
    To the Warner Cricket Ground in St Kitts 18:56

    Law and Order:
    Whangarei Police are investigating an aggravated robbery at a bar last night, after a man reportedly fired a shot towards the roof, and assaulted a customer 18:37

    International:
    US drops sanctions on Myanmar junta's allies after military chief praises Donald Trump 18:26

    Cricket:
    Tim David has smashed Australia's fastest ever T20 international half century and gone on to finish 102 not out off just 37 balls in going 3-nil up in their five-match T20 series against the West Indies 18:06

    Entertainment:
    Gwyneth Paltrow becomes Astronomer 'spokesperson' after Coldplay concert saga 17:36

    Rugby:
    Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is unsurprised by the selection of English playmaker Owen Farrell in the British and Irish Lions side for tonight's second test in Melbourne 17:26

    Rugby League:
    The Warriors women have suffered their first NRLW loss at Mt Smart, falling to a 20-to-10 defeat at the hands of the Gold Coast Titans 17:16


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd