For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved Harry Potter, and to be honest, I still do! I have many fond memories of sitting on my couch and watching the movies with my family. I still have the entire book series and the DVDs. I’ve watched the Harry Potter movies so many times that I can quote most of the movies line by line. I even have a Hufflepuff uniform and wand that I got when I went to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. That being said, as much as I love the series, I won’t be watching the reboot series coming out.
The Harry Potter reboot series was officially announced in April 2023, despite being in the works since 2021. In collaboration with HBO, the first season will come to streaming on December 25 this year. The series’ first season will follow the timeline of the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Although the show hasn’t even come out yet, there has been a lot of talk about it: both good and bad.
One of the positive things that’s been circulating about the Harry Potter reboot series is that it promises to be as faithful to the original book series as possible. HBO’s intent with the series is to produce a series that’s book accurate. Known for his roles as Professor Flitwick and Griphook in the Harry Potter film series, actor Warwick Davis also stated that the reboot series will be a faithful adaptation of the original books.
However, fans of Harry Potter have been a little skeptical to fully believe how faithful the series will remain to the books. Actor Lox Pratt, who’ll be playing Draco Malfoy in the reboot series, has stated that fans will be seeing more than what’s just in the books. He reveals that more will be shown outside of just Harry Potter himself, including scenes about his character, Draco. Additionally, in an episode of Harry Potter: The Official Film Podcast, executive producer David Heyman reiterates the point that the series will be adding additional scenes while being faithful to the books.
One of the negative things fans are talking about online is the casting, specifically that of Severus Snape. When Snape’s actor was revealed to be Paapa Essiedu last year, he was immediately met with backlash online because of his race. In the books, Snape’s character is described as pale and having greasy hair. However, Essiedu is a Black British actor and was criticized online because of his appearance. Personally, I don’t think it matters whether a Black or white actor plays Snape because the character’s race is not integral to the plot of Harry Potter at all and, although I won’t be watching the show, I’m sure he’ll do a great job portraying Snape.
Another negative aspect of the show that has people online criticizing the show is J.K. Rowling’s direct involvement. Rowling will serve as one of the executive producers on the show, allowing for her direct input into how it will play out. Many Harry Potter fans, including myself, have decided not to watch the show because of how controversial she is. Rowling’s stance on trans rights is certainly problematic, and one I don’t agree with. Rowling advocates against trans rights in general, but specifically in the United Kingdom. She has openly supported anti-trans politicians and even wrote an essay in 2020 that has since been updated, supporting her transphobic stance. She uses her money to support anti-trans legislation and constantly posts transphobic hate speech online. Because of this, I cannot bring myself to watch the new show.
Rowling will be receiving an estimated $20 million per year she works on the show. Because the show will run for ten years, this means that Rowling will earn up to $200 million in total for her involvement with the show. Knowing that Rowling uses her money to donate to anti-trans organizations and politicians, I cannot bring myself to watch the new show.
Although I won’t be watching the show, I know the new Harry Potter reboot series will be popular. People around the world will be tuning in to watch the new show. After all, it’s Harry Potter. I know that not everyone will choose to watch the show, and I know I can’t force people not to watch it.
Harry Potter will always hold a special place in my heart. I grew up with the series and I’ve always been known as the girl in my family obsessed with Harry Potter. I fell in love with the series and would often find myself escaping to Hogwarts through the books and movies. However, I place my morals above my interests. I may love Harry Potter, but I care more about trans rights. I have trans friends and wouldn’t want to contribute to giving J.K. Rowling money when I know what she supports, or rather doesn’t support. I can live with what I remember of the Harry Potter series. However, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself knowing that I was part of the reason Rowling was able to earn anything from the reboot series.