J.K. Rowling Praises ‘So, So, So Good’ Harry Potter Series After Reading First Two Episodes

JK Rowling has shared her excitement about HBO’s much-anticipated Harry Potter series.

Although the author is not writing the scripts herself, she confirmed she has read the first two episodes and is thrilled with the direction the project is taking.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Rowling wrote, “I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!”

When asked by a fan whether she is writing the show, Rowling clarified, “No, but I’ve worked closely with the extremely talented writers.” According to People, Rowling serves as an executive producer on the series alongside Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod.

The New Harry, Hermione, and Ron Revealed

In May, HBO unveiled the lead cast for the upcoming series in an Instagram post, though comments were turned off, likely to shield the young actors from negativity.

The announcement revealed Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. HBO captioned the post, “Dear Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, and Mr. Weasley: We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.”

The casting followed an extensive search, with over 30,000 actors auditioning for the iconic roles since the process began last year.

Well-Known Faces Join the Supporting Cast

Several well-known names have also been cast in key adult roles. John Lithgow takes on the role of Albus Dumbledore, while Janet McTeer portrays Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu will play Severus Snape.

Nick Frost has been cast as Rubeus Hagrid, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch.

Additional cast members include Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, and Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy. Bel Powley takes on the role of Petunia Dursley, Daniel Rigby plays Vernon Dursley, and Bertie Carvel steps into the role of Cornelius Fudge.

New Hogwarts students include Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown.

Production Timeline and Rowling’s Role

Though HBO has yet to announce an official release date, Variety reports that filming will begin this year, with the series expected to premiere in 2026.

Rowling, who is also an executive producer through her production company Bronte Film and TV, has worked closely with the creative team to maintain the spirit of the original books.

Network CEO Casey Bloys confirmed that Rowling played a key role in selecting showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod. Each book will be adapted into a full season, offering a detailed retelling of the beloved story.

Rowling’s Controversial Views Spark Debate

Rowling’s involvement has sparked ongoing debate due to her controversial remarks on transgender issues, which have drawn criticism from many fans and industry figures. Despite this, HBO remains committed to the project.

In an interview with Deadline, Casey Bloys addressed the controversy, stating, “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.”

Bloys emphasised that Rowling’s personal views would not influence the series.

“Harry Potter is not secretly being infused with anything. If you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter,” he said, assuring fans that the series would remain true to the books’ core themes of love, self-acceptance, and friendship.

Mixed Reactions Within the Cast

The controversy has also reached the show’s new cast. Paapa Essiedu, cast as Professor Snape, has been an outspoken supporter of trans rights.

He was among over 400 individuals from the entertainment industry who signed a letter urging action against Rowling’s public statements on transgender issues.

The letter called for the UK entertainment sector to stand in support of trans rights and expressed concerns over Rowling’s influence on the show’s legacy.

Fans Divided, But Production Moves Forward

Despite growing calls for boycotts, Rowling remains actively involved in the project and continues to defend her views on social media.

Meanwhile, HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery, and the creative team are moving forward with the adaptation, aiming to stay faithful to the world that captured millions of hearts.

With production underway and casting complete, fans eagerly await more details about the highly anticipated return to Hogwarts, set to enchant a new generation in 2026.