Credit: Universal Studios JapanFew reboots have proven as divisive as HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter adaptation, and much of that tension traces back to the franchise’s creator. However, a recent report suggests that JK Rowling has minimal involvement in the new series.
To rewind, Rowling has courted controversy with Potterheads for the better part of a decade. Much of the backlash stems from her public comments about gender identity and transgender rights, which critics argue promote exclusionary views.
Her remarks on social media and in essays have prompted widespread criticism from fans, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, and even actors from the original film franchise.
Last year, Rowling responded with a rant on X, formerly Twitter, after Emma Watson (who played Hermione Granger in the original eight movies) addressed the situation in a podcast. “There’s just no world in which I could ever cancel her out, or cancel that out, for anything,” Watson said, emphasizing to host Jay Shetty that “trans people are who they say they are.”
With that in mind, many have criticized Warner Bros. for bringing Harry Potter back for round two. In the eyes of former Potterheads, the greatest betrayal is further lining Rowling’s pockets at a time when they believe she is causing active harm to the transgender community.
Some have also feared that Rowling’s latest political sentiments could influence the story shown on screen. Casey Bloys, HBO’s chief content officer, insisted that this wasn’t the case during an interview on The Town podcast in 2025. “Those are her personal, political views,” Bloys said. “She’s entitled to them. ‘Harry Potter’ is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.”
‘Harry Potter’ Reboot Actor Reveals Surprising Truth About Rowling’s Involvement
As it turns out, Rowling may actually be even less involved with the series than originally believed.
John Lithgow, who takes over from Michael Gambon as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, recently made an appearance at the 55th edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). When asked about his decision to sign up for the show despite Rowling’s beliefs, he revealed that the controversial author has less to do with the series than you’d think.
“I’ve never met her,” Lithgow said (via The Hollywood Reporter). “She’s not really involved in this production at all. The people who are re-adapting Harry Potter and turning it into an eight-year-long TV series are remarkable. … These are people I really want to work with.”
While he hasn’t met Rowling, the actor – who previously starred in the likes of Shrek (2001), Footloose (1984), Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), and Interstellar (2014) – also praised the world she created, revealing that its subject matter is what led him to sign up as Dumbledore in the first place.
“J.K. Rowling has created this amazing canon for young people, young kids’ literature that has jumped into the consciousness of society,” he said. “Young and old people love Harry Potter and the Harry Potter stories. It’s so much about acceptance. It’s about good versus evil. It’s about kindness versus cruelty. It’s deeply felt.”
However, he also stressed that he finds it “ironic and somewhat inexplicable that Rowling has expressed such views,” considering the messages contained within Harry Potter.
What Role Does JK Rowling Play in the Reboot?
Lithgow’s comments may clarify the extent to which Rowling is involved in the day-to-day operations of the Harry Potter reboot, but she’s not totally removed from its creative process.
In November 2025, Rowling made her first visit to the Harry Potter set at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. One insider told Deadline that it was like receiving a royal visit, with senior members of the reboot’s production team making time to welcome Rowling.
Earlier that year, the writer revealed on X that she had read the scripts for the first two episodes of the series. “They are SO, SO, SO GOOD,” she wrote.
No, but I've worked closely with the extremely talented writers.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 21, 2025
When questioned by a fan, Rowling clarified that she has no direct involvement with writing the scripts. However, she stressed that she has “worked closely with the extremely talented writers.”
Officially, Rowling is an executive producer for the series. When the project was initially announced back in 2023, Bloomberg reported that she would work with the team to ensure accuracy to the original storyline. It seems safe to assume that she largely plays an advisory role – although, if Lithgow is to be believed, it’s not particularly hands-on.
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