On April 12, HBO Max officially announced a “Harry Potter” TV series adaptation. The series will include seven seasons — one for each book — and it will run for ten years. The author of the book series, J.K. Rowling, will be the show’s executive producer, “[HBO] Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation,” stated Rowling in a press release. Since the announcement, fans have presented feelings of discouragement toward the show, voicing their disinterest and opposition on social media.

The negative fan reactions have surfaced for various reasons; many feel the show is unnecessary because of the presence of iconic movie adaptations, and many are opposed to supporting any more projects that profit J.K. Rowling. People have been taking their feelings to social media, dissing the idea of a new series and explaining how we already have our beloved movies with an iconic cast. Many do not want to see the golden trio played by anyone other than Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who have forever impacted the wizarding world and its legacy. Some fans want to see other stories from the wizarding world, not a reboot of the same book series we have already been given movies for. Talk of spinoffs has been circulating among fans, and while this would likely draw in a greater audience than a reboot, it seems HBO Max is set on their decision. 

Fans are also worried about supporting any sort of project involving J.K. Rowling, as she has been known to openly make many transphobic comments. People have taken their thoughts to Twitter, some even theorizing how Rowling supports the HBO Max series because she does not want the actors from the movies as the representative leads, as they have all spoken up against her transphobic comments. One fan tweeted, “Besides more money, a big part of the appeal of a harry potter tv show for JKR is having a ‘definitive’ adaptation to point to instead of the movies whose core casts have publicly disavowed her.”

In a press release following the announcement, Casey Bloys, CEO of Content at HBO and HBO Max, dodged a question regarding the controversial author’s involvement in the series, “That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into,” Bloys stated. “Obviously, the ‘Harry Potter’ story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That’s our priority — what’s on screen.” It is clear that HBO Max will not address Rowling’s controversial presence, and they will likely continue with the project. Many are hoping the series does not take off, as it is not something Potterheads asked for and not something they are supporting. 

This series is not something fans are excited about, and many are incredibly reluctant to support J.K. Rowling in any projects she decides to pursue. A Harry Potter reboot will not sit well with audiences, and it is not something HBO Max should move forward with. If directors and producers focused on spinoff stories — like the Marauders or the founders of Hogwarts — fans would be more invested in a Harry Potter-related series. It would also help if Rowling were not involved with such projects, but that seems highly unlikely. So unless a project like such comes to our screens, it is best to stay away from this reboot; it will not be worth it.