Harry Potter Fans React To Possible Live Action HBO Series: “We Don’t Want This”

A decade after the final Harry Potter film premiered in theaters, a Harry Potter TV series is reportedly in development at HBO Max, per The Hollywood Reporter. The project, which is described as being in its very early stages, has no talent or writers officially attached, and we still don’t know if the show will be a reboot, a continuation, or a whole new spinoff on the wizarding world.

As of now, HBO Max executives “have engaged in multiple conversations with potential writers,” according to THR, and they’re currently “exploring various ideas that would bring the beloved property to television.”

While details about the upcoming project are limited, the news was still significant enough to spark a debate on social media today between Harry Potter fans, with some thrilled to hear about a new potential series, and others much less enthused about the idea.

Potterheads rejoicing over the HBO Max series shared their excitement on Twitter, with one writing, “OMG THERE’S GONNA BE A HARRY POTTER TV SHOW- OMG YES,” and another adding, “Hell yeah! I love the Harry Potter universe, can’t wait to see what direction they take in this story.”

Still, some fans were disappointed by the news, arguing that a TV adaptation of the beloved story is unnecessary. “We don’t want this. Money used to create a Harry Potter TV series could be used to create more original series,” one user wrote in response to a report about the new show.

Others took issue with the project for a more specific reason, pointing to the creator behind it all, J.K. Rowling. The “Harry Potter” author has come under fire recently for transphobic comments and her association with the “TERF” community. “There’s literally nothing I want more than a ‘Harry Potter’ TV series but how do we get it without giving a single coin to J.K. Rowling?” one fan wrote.

As the figure who controls the Harry Potter franchise, Rowling “has a say in everything involving the property,” according to THR. “Expanding the world of Harry Potter remains a top priority for HBO Max and Warner Bros., which along with creator J.K. Rowling, controls rights to the property,” the outlet reports. “Harry Potter is one of Warners’ most valuable pieces of IP.”

Despite the growing backlash against Rowling, the Harry Potter franchise only continues to grow, with two Fantastic Beasts movies released since 2016 and three more on the way. And now, we’re likely adding a TV adaptation to the ever-expanding wizarding world.

Where to watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone