The upcoming HBO Harry Potter series, starring Dominic McLaughlin as the titular wizard, has been mired in controversy since its announcement in 2021. The trailer, released on 25 March, offered glimpses of John Lithgow, Paapa Essiedu, Katherine Parkinson, Nick Frost and Janet McTeer as iconic characters. However, the project has faced backlash over author JK Rowling’s views on transgender issues and death threats directed at cast members.
Rowling, 60, sparked controversy in December 2019 by tweeting support for Maya Forstater, who lost her job over comments about gender self-identification. She later criticised the term “people who menstruate” and argued that biological sex is real, claiming young people with mental health issues are “being shunted towards hormones and surgery”. These comments led to calls for a boycott of the series and criticism of cast members for participating.
John Lithgow, who plays Dumbledore, considered quitting over the backlash. In March, he said Rowling’s views are “ironic and inexplicable” given that her books are “clearly on the side of the angels, against intolerance and bigotry”. Nick Frost, cast as Hagrid, stated in June: “She’s allowed her opinion and I’m allowed mine – they just don’t align in any way, shape or form.” Paapa Essiedu, who plays Severus Snape, signed a letter calling for action on trans rights in May.
Essiedu, the first Black actor to play Snape, revealed in March that he received race-fuelled death threats after his casting was confirmed in December 2024. He told The Times: “I’ve been told, ‘Quit or I’ll murder you’.” He has not reported the threats but admitted they affect him emotionally. Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the films, defended Essiedu, calling him one of the “best actors I’ve ever seen” and labelling the online abuse as racist.
HBO CEO Casey Bloys confirmed that the production has implemented “serious security” measures to protect the cast. Speaking to Variety on 25 March, he said that with passionate fans and many opinions, “it can get scary in places” for the stars. The series is set for a Christmas 2025 release.
