Credit: HBOFew stories hold on to an audience the way Harry Potter does. Many fans grew up with the books and the films, and now HBO is retelling the saga as a television series, with a new young cast stepping into roles that fans know by heart. Announcements about the series, from casting choices to trailers, tend to draw attention, and the first season arrives this Christmas.
That makes this week’s news stand out. An Oxford Street Christmas lights event, built around the new series, will go ahead without its three young leads, and the reason HBO gives is not the only one in circulation. Here’s what HBO has said, what’s being reported, and what the event involves. A note on tone: this story touches on an ongoing public debate, and we’re attributing every claim to the person or outlet that made it, per reports.
HBO’s Statement
HBO has confirmed that the young stars of its forthcoming Harry Potter series will not take part in Oxford Street’s Christmas lights switch-on. The three main characters, Hogwarts students Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, are played by Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton, respectively.
An HBO spokesperson said in a statement: “We’re excited to bring the magic of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to Oxford Street, and screens, this Christmas.”
The statement continued: “With production of our second season already under way, we are mindful of our young actors’ busy schedules and are judicious when it comes to asks of their time on top of their production and education commitments. We have therefore decided not to involve our young actors in the official switch-on event for the Oxford Street Christmas lights.”
The Event and the Store
The switch-on will take place from 4.30pm on Monday, November 9. This year, the central London thoroughfare will receive a makeover in partnership with the new series, alongside a flagship Harry Potter store opening on the street this week.
The store, the Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street, opens on November 4 and has been billed as the UK’s largest official Harry Potter flagship store.
The Partnership
HBO Max and the New West End Company previously announced a partnership that would “bring the magic of Harry Potter to Oxford Street this Christmas.” They described it as a “festive celebration of one of the world’s most beloved stories, bringing a host of Harry Potter-inspired celebrations and attractions to shoppers, commuters, international visitors and fans throughout the festive season.”
The partnership is timed to celebrate the Christmas launch of HBO’s new original series, which begins with the eight-episode season of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and the opening of the store.
What The Sun Reported
The decision comes amid reported fears of protests at the event over author J.K. Rowling’s views on trans rights, which have been the subject of controversy. Citing insiders, The Sun reported on Sunday that HBO Max bosses met with the Metropolitan Police regarding concerns about public disorder linked to trans-rights groups.
One insider told the paper: “It was all looking really exciting but sadly there are concerns about their safety. With the police and stakeholders, it was decided the child actors won’t appear.” The insider added: “No one wants to risk their safety if protests go ahead.”
The Petition and City Hall
More than 10,000 people have signed a petition sent to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, asking him to “pull the plug on transphobia” and cancel the themed lights. The petition was launched by the not-for-profit campaign organisation Good Law Project, and it reads: “Harry Potter lights in one of the busiest streets of London will not make trans people feel Christmassy, welcome, or safe.”
Khan’s office said it was not responsible for organising the Oxford Street Christmas lights, which are arranged by the New West End Company. A City Hall London spokesman told The Telegraph: “The mayor is clear that he will always support and champion all of London’s diverse communities, including trans and non-binary Londoners.”
Two Explanations, Side by Side
HBO’s stated reason is its young actors’ schedules and their production and education commitments. The Sun’s insider points to safety concerns. We’re not reconciling the two, and the information we have doesn’t establish whether they’re connected.
About the Series
The first season launches this Christmas and is adapted from Rowling’s first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The show aims to be a faithful adaptation of the novels while giving wider insight into the magical wizarding world beyond what was depicted in the hit film franchise, which ran from 2001 to 2011.
The cast includes Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape and John Lithgow as Hogwarts headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore.
What We Don’t Know
We don’t know whether any protest is planned for November 9, or whether the event’s format will change. We don’t know the details of any meeting between HBO Max and the Metropolitan Police beyond The Sun’s report, and we haven’t seen an official response to it. And we don’t know whether the young cast will appear at other events.
Planning to Go?
If you’re thinking of visiting Oxford Street for the switch-on or the store opening, check the New West End Company’s official information for the latest details before you go.
Tell Us What You Think
Were you planning to be on Oxford Street for the switch-on? Tell us in the comments what you’d hoped to see, and let us know if you’re counting down to Christmas and the new series. We’ll update this as more is confirmed.
