As a long-time fan of the Harry Potter series and someone who has grown up alongside these magical characters, I find myself deeply troubled by J.K. Rowling’s recent statements regarding transgender issues. Her views seem to contradict the very values that made Harry Potter so beloved – acceptance, empathy, and standing up for what is right.
When J.K. Rowling expressed her opinion in June 2020 that transgender women are males and transgender men are females, several stars from the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films, such as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Eddie Redmayne, swiftly voiced their support for transgender and nonbinary rights. Two significant Harry Potter fan communities, MuggleNet and The Leaky Cauldron, rejected Rowling’s views and discontinued their association with her future work. Warner Bros., in a statement crafted with care, emphasized that fostering diversity and inclusivity has never been more crucial to them and their global audience – even if indirectly, the studio distanced itself from the author who played a significant role in one of its most popular and profitable franchises.
In the span of four years, the scenery has undergone a significant transformation. With fresh management at Warner Bros. Discovery, they’ve aggressively broadened the scope of Rowling’s Wizarding World. This expansion is centered around HBO reviving Rowling’s book series as an extended TV show, with Francesca Gardiner serving as showrunner and Mark Mylod directing – both having previously worked on “Succession.” During a press event on Nov. 12, HBO chief Casey Bloys revealed that Rowling played a significant role in selecting the writer and director for this project, and her controversial anti-trans statements have not influenced the casting or hiring of writers or production staff for the show. Furthermore, a representative from the network stated to EbMaster that they’ve been working with J.K. Rowling and managing the Harry Potter business for over 20 years, crediting her contributions as indispensable.
It’s with great pleasure that we share Harry Potter’s tale once more, the touching books that embody the strength of friendship, determination, and acceptance. We acknowledge J.K. Rowling’s right to express her personal opinions. Our attention will continue to be on creating the upcoming series, which undoubtedly will gain from her participation.” (A representative for Mylod directed EbMaster to HBO; a representative for Gardiner did not respond to a request for comment.)
Joanne Rowling, on the other hand, has been actively advocating against transgender identity through her online presence. On September 10th, she shared the U.K. audition call for Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley roles with her 14.2 million followers on X, which was an unusual occurrence. Over the following two months, however, Rowling posted or reshared more than 200 times (excluding replies) about transgender issues to reinforce her beliefs. In one post from October 7th, she stated that gender identity is based mostly on a person’s personal feelings or, more accurately, their claim to have those feelings. During the same period, Rowling posted or reshared about Harry Potter only eight additional times, including one where she laughed at a fan expressing “immeasurable” disappointment over her active involvement with the Potter series. (Through a representative, Rowling declined to comment for this article.)
In a unique turn of events, the industry hasn’t encountered a situation where the originator of a cherished, multi-billion dollar global phenomenon has so openly waded into one of society’s most divisive social matters. This action has made her controversial for many within the dedicated fanbase, whose affection for the franchise dates back 25 years to their childhood and has kept the series alive even after the books and movies ended. Now, these fans find themselves in a difficult predicament: How can they enjoy the new series or any other adaptation of the franchise if they strongly oppose J.K. Rowling’s views on gender identity?
As a devoted fan who cherishes every moment spent immersed in the magical world of Harry Potter, I find myself reflecting on the silence that’s enveloped PotterCast since March 2023. Melissa Anelli, the brilliant mind behind “Harry, A History” and The Leaky Cauldron, shares my sentiments. We both yearn for those lively discussions about our beloved series, but alas, they’ve transformed into arguments clouded by sadness.
Kat Miller, creative director of MuggleNet and coauthor of ‘The Unofficial Harry Potter Companion,’ remarks that the fanbase a decade ago was reminiscent of a utopia. She attributes this to the emphasis on themes like equality and inclusivity within the ‘Harry Potter’ series, which drew in a dedicated fanbase – one she describes as predominantly women and extremely queer – who shared an intense affection for a story that had reached a powerful and fulfilling end. According to Miller, the current fanbase has become divided, with her opinion being that this is primarily due to external political issues that are causing enthusiasm levels to drop.
J.K. Rowling’s opinions have sparked both praise and criticism; while Daniel Radcliffe has shared his sadness over her comments on transgender issues, actors like Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, and Jim Broadbent have defended her, with many posting supportive messages online. Rowling herself remains unfazed about how her activism might impact her legacy, and in April, she declared that she would not forgive any collaborators who spoke against her beliefs: “Celebrities who aligned themselves with a movement aiming to undermine women’s rights and used their platforms to endorse the transitioning of minors can apologize to traumatized detransitioners and vulnerable women relying on single-sex spaces.” This week, she also criticized John Oliver, whom she previously worked with for her children’s charity Lumos, for supporting transgender children playing sports, which Rowling described as “nonsense.
When an actor becomes part of the upcoming “Harry Potter” series, Rowling has set a challenge that may be hard for them to avoid once casting commences in earnest next year – much like the new Trump administration might enact policies to limit protections for trans youth and healthcare. As Miller points out, while it’s understandable for someone to want the job, the internet, fan base, and politics surrounding the role may compel them to express an opinion. If they don’t, people might presume they support Rowling’s views.
Although some Potter fans have proposed boycotting the new series, which Rowling responded to in 2023, Anelli has become skeptical about the boycott’s potential impact. She argues, “There’s a point where support only strengthens her power. I’m not sure how much more she can wield. Money is almost abstract to her, like a raindrop in a thunderstorm.” Over the past four years, fan protests and avoidance of her work, Anelli notes, “haven’t made a dent” in the financial success of the extensive Potter empire encompassing book sales, video games, theme parks, toys, and other related income sources. At this juncture, she believes complete disengagement could be counterproductive: “If everyone who disagrees departs, we’re abandoning her with a megaphone and no means to steer the conversation.
That prospect is what prompted Tylor Starr, Potter fandom expert and co-author of “The Unofficial Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook,” to take a private, informal survey of roughly 250 “deeply engaged Harry Potter fans” on their feelings about Rowling and the franchise. One of his findings, he says, is that 79% of cisgender respondents felt conflicted about buying a new Potter-related product. That led Starr to start exploring ways for fans to “offset” the purchase of Potter material. “If you buy a new wand, can you donate a portion of that to a transgender charity?” he says. “There are so many fans who deeply disagree with what Rowling is saying, but still want to engage in the Harry Potter fandom.”
Interestingly, despite Rowling’s actions potentially eroding some Potter fans’ loyalty towards her, they seem to have instead fostered a stronger sense of unity among them. As Miller puts it, “We didn’t want our fandom to disintegrate or dissolve. We recognize the worth in the community that the fans built. We can appreciate and cherish that aspect without needing the author.
The question now is whether HBO can cast the same spell.
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2024-11-20 23:23