‘Harry Potter’ Author J.K. Rowling, 59, Reacts to First 2 Episodes of New HBO Series

All aboard the Hogwarts Express — again. As HBO’s Harry Potter reboot begins production this summer, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling is getting vocal about the upcoming series — and claims she’s already impressed by what she’s seen. Taking to X, Rowling revealed she’s read the first two scripts and couldn’t be more excited. She wrote:

“I read the first two episodes of the forthcoming HBO Harry Potter series and they are SO, SO, SO GOOD!”

Rowling clarified that she’s not writing the series herself but said she’s “worked closely with the extremely talented writers” behind the new adaptation, which is being spearheaded by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and directed in part by Succession’s Mark Mylod. The reboot — expected to run for a full decade, with each season adapting one of Rowling’s seven novels — is set to premiere in 2026 on HBO Max. It stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

Beyond the trio of leads, cast members also include Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Leo Earley as Seamus Finnigan, Alessia Leoni as Parvati Patil, and Sienna Moosah as Lavender Brown. On the adult side, John Lithgow plays Dumbledore, Janet McTeer is McGonagall, Johnny Flynn takes on Lucius Malfoy, Nick Frost plays Hagrid, and Paapa Essiedu portrays Snape.

Why Is J.K. Rowling Controversial?

Rowling’s involvement has been a beacon for protestors on both sides from the very beginning. The author, who will serve as executive producer via her Brontë Film and TV banner, remains the subject of widespread criticism for her anti-transgender rhetoric, which has intensified in recent years. Original cast members Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have publicly taken stances against her, while the likes of Ralph Fiennes, Tom Felton, and Helena Bonham Carter have defended the author’s right to hold her views.

More than 400 members of the UK film and TV industry — including new Harry Potter cast member Paapa Essiedu — recently signed an open letter urging action to protect trans rights in the industry following Rowling’s celebration of a U.K. Supreme Court ruling restricting the legal recognition of trans women. Despite the public outcry, HBO Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys has defended Rowling’s continued involvement.

“The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us,” Bloys said during The Town podcast. “We already have a show on HBO from her called C.B. Strike… She’s entitled to her personal views. Harry Potter is not secretly being infused with anything.” Bloys stressed that the series will focus on what appears on screen first and foremost, noting that “Harry Potter is about love and self-acceptance — that’s our priority.”

The new Harry Potter series is expected to premiere on HBO Max in 2026. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates as we return to the Wizarding World.