Hermione in Harry PotterHBO boss Casey Bloys details J.K. Rowling’s involvement in the Harry Potter series. The British author, who wrote the best-selling book series that was adapted into the equally successful film franchise, has become quite a divisive figure due to her continued controversial comments about transgender individuals on social media. Rowling is serving as an executive producer on the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV show, which has caused further controversy, though it’s unclear just how involved she is in the adaptation.

Talking to IndieWire, Bloys detailed Rowling’s involvement in the Harry Potter series. The HBO boss says the controversial author remains “fairly involved” in the development of the series, though her involvement “hasn’t affected” anyone’s interest in the show, including deterring others from wanting to be involved in the series. Read his full comments below:

[She’s] been fairly involved in the process of selecting the writer and director. I imagine she’ll have opinions on casting.

What J.K. Rowling’s Involvement Means For HBO’s Harry Potter Show

She’s Involved In Selecting The Writer, Director, & Actors

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HBO boss Casey Bloys says that J.K. Rowling remains “fairly involved” in the Harry Potter series, including selecting the writer, director, and actors. This means Rowling was somewhat involved in selecting Succession‘s Francesca Gardiner as the showrunner, who will in turn serve as the head writer for the series. Succession‘s Mark Mylod will also executive produce the series and direct some episodes, a decision that Rowling also likely played a part in making.

Bloys says that Rowling is also involved in casting the Harry Potter series, so she likely had a say in selecting Mark Rylance to play Dumbledore. A recent report revealed that HBO has reached out to the actor about the role, though formal negotiations have yet to begin, so the casting isn’t official yet. HBO is also in the process of casting the Golden Trio – Harry, Ron, and Hermione – a major decision that Rowling should have a say in making.

Our Take On J.K. Rowling’s Involvement In HBO’s Harry Potter Show

It Should Still Be A Success Despite Her Involvement

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In recent years, J.K. Rowling has sparked controversy due to her comments on transgender issues, but as the creator of Harry Potter, she wields massive influence over the franchise from film, TV, and video games. In fact, her association with the Harry Potter video game Hogwarts Legacy prompted some fans to organize boycotts. It remains to be seen if HBO’s series will encounter similar backlash. However, the strong sales of Hogwarts Legacy suggests that HBO’s Harry Potter series should also be a success despite Rowling’s involvement.