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Directors Decline HBO’s Harry Potter Over Transphobia Funding

8/14/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ally Pankiw and Kate Herron declined HBO Harry Potter offers because they refuse to fund transphobia.
Pankiw posted a screenshot of her agent asking “Harry Potter? Hard no?” with the “Absolutely f—ing not!” reply, while Herron said she was asked, answering, “will never change from a no.”
HBO announced the series will debut on Dec. 25 on HBO and HBO Max, starring John Lithgow and Bel Powley, critics of Rowling’s views.

History

Historical Context

Rowling’s 2017 tweet supporting a critique of the UK Gender Recognition Act ignited a backlash, prompting actors like Daniel Radcliffe to defend trans rights and Warner Bros. to affirm LGBTQ inclusion in 2020. She then donated £70,000 to a legal challenge that secured a UK Supreme Court ruling on 16 April 2025, a backdrop to HBO’s casting dispute.

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Story summary

Ally Pankiw and Kate Herron declined HBO Harry Potter offers because they refuse to fund transphobia.
Pankiw posted a screenshot of her agent asking “Harry Potter? Hard no?” with the “Absolutely f—ing not!” reply, while Herron said she was asked, answering, “will never change from a no.”
HBO announced the series will debut on Dec. 25 on HBO and HBO Max, starring John Lithgow and Bel Powley, critics of Rowling’s views.

1 / 2