News | Entertainment
19 Dec 2025 1:51
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
     18 Dec: Kelsey Grammer feels his newborn son gives him a second chance to nail fatherhood
     18 Dec: Kelly Ripa "tries not to act so much anymore" because she does not want to be away from her family
     18 Dec: King Charles' cancer treatment "can be reduced in the New Year"
     18 Dec: Kim Kardashian's law mentor has praised the star for being transparent about failing her California bar exam
     18 Dec: Glenn Close wants to die in the replica of her grandparents' stone cottage that she is building
     18 Dec: Timothee Chalamet pranked Trisha Goddard when she asked the Hollywood star for a selfie
     18 Dec: Matt Smith has spilled that filming on Star Wars: Starfighter has wrapped - and he is confident it's going to be a major hit
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    High jumper Hamish Kerr is shaping as one of the major contenders for the Halbergs Supreme prize in February More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Most parts of the economy are growing again More...



     Today's News

    Law and Order:
    Australian man Lamar Ahchee sentenced to 12 years in prison for role in Bali cocaine-smuggling plot 23:37

    Hamilton:
    Police are working to find out who's involved and track them down - after a person died and another's been seriously injured in central Hamilton 21:57

    Entertainment:
    Kelsey Grammer feels his newborn son gives him a second chance to nail fatherhood 21:50

    Entertainment:
    Kelly Ripa "tries not to act so much anymore" because she does not want to be away from her family 21:20

    Rugby League:
    Rugby league's NRL has issued breach notices to the Sydney Roosters in relation to salary cap overspend and the Melbourne Storm in relation to team selection protocols 21:17

    Law and Order:
    Former senior police officers detail why Bondi Beach terror incident was so difficult to defend 20:57

    Entertainment:
    King Charles' cancer treatment "can be reduced in the New Year" 20:50

    Entertainment:
    Kim Kardashian's law mentor has praised the star for being transparent about failing her California bar exam 20:20

    Living & Travel:
    How to handle awkward comments and conversations this Christmas 19:57

    Entertainment:
    Glenn Close wants to die in the replica of her grandparents' stone cottage that she is building 19:50


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd