HBO's Harry Potter series teaser sparks backlash, Rowling responds
J.K. Rowling shares reaction to first Harry Potter series teaser (RBC-Ukraine collage)
The first teaser for HBO’s Harry Potter series has sparked mixed reactions among fans, but the author of the wizarding saga, J.K. Rowling, was delighted with what she saw, according to her post on the social media platform X.
On Thursday, the author publicly shared her impressions of the first teaser trailer for the upcoming series based on her fantasy novels.
"It's going to be incredible!" Rowling wrote.
"I’m so happy with it," the writer added.
The posts appeared in response to a fan who praised the first look at the project, saying the teaser looks absolutely incredible.
J.K. Rowling’s reaction to the new Harry Potter series teaser (screenshot)
At the same time, not all fans shared the excitement.
Part of the audience criticized the teaser for its dark visual style, a perceived lack of magic, and the absence of the atmosphere associated with the Harry Potter films released from 2001 to 2011.
"Despite being a fantasy series based on children’s PG novels, nothing in this trailer (color grading, lack of actual magic, lack of whimsy, production design, etc.) suggests this is aimed at children," one user wrote on X.
"On the other hand, it’s perfectly suited for infantilized adults," the user added.
A separate wave of discussion emerged around the casting. In particular, some commentators pointed to the casting of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape.
Earlier, the actor said he had received racist death threats after news of his involvement in the project.
Paapa Essiedu (photo: Getty Images)
"The new Harry Potter series really impresses me," one user wrote.
"The left won’t like it because of JKR, the right won’t like it because JKR reworked a bunch of characters to try to ‘go woke,’ and modern kids won’t like it because it’s literally millennial trash," the user added.
Criticism of Rowling herself also continues over her anti-transgender views.
Because of this, part of the audience is calling not to separate the author’s work from her public stance.
"You can’t ‘separate the art from the artist’ with Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling has directly funded harmful legislation against the trans community and directly harmed transgender people. She uses the money she earns from Harry Potter to do so," another user wrote.
What is known about the new Harry Potter series
Filming of the Harry Potter series began in the United Kingdom last summer, with the premiere scheduled for Christmas.
The lead role is played by Dominic McLaughlin. The project also stars Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
Francesca Gardiner serves as the showrunner and executive producer.
Mark Mylod is also an executive producer and will direct several episodes. The project is produced by HBO, Brontë Film and TV, and Warner Bros. Television.
Executive producers also include J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman. Composer Hans Zimmer is scoring the series.
