Directors Turn Down HBO's Harry Potter Series Over Rowling's Stance

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Ally Pankiw and Kate Herron said they turned down directing episodes of HBO's new Harry Potter series.

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Directors Ally Pankiw and Kate Herron said on social media that they turned down opportunities to direct episodes of HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series because of J.K. Rowling’s views on trans people.

Pankiw, known for Black Mirror and Ponies, posted a screenshot of a conversation with her agent. In the message, she was asked whether she would be interested in working on the production. Her response was direct:

“Absolutely fucking not!”

- Ally Pankiw

In the comments, Pankiw wrote that saying “no” to funding transphobia can be simple. Kate Herron, who directed Loki and Doctor Who, replied that she had been approached twice and that her answer would remain no.

Pankiw also pointed out that Herron had turned down the offer on two occasions and described the decision as difficult. Both directors publicly linked their refusals to Rowling’s views on trans issues.

Rowling created the franchise and serves as an executive producer on the series. The author denies being transphobic, but her statements about trans people have drawn criticism and prompted reactions from professionals involved in HBO’s adaptation.

Bel Powley, who has been cast as Petunia Dursley, said she strongly disagreed with Rowling’s views on gender and called for safety, dignity, respect and full acceptance for the trans community. At the same time, she said she grew up reading Harry Potter and still feels affection for the books.

Nick Frost, who plays Hagrid, also said that his views and Rowling’s do not align. Paapa Essiedu, cast as Severus Snape, signed an open letter supporting trans rights in the United Kingdom.

HBO did not immediately comment on Pankiw and Herron’s statements about the Harry Potter series.

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