HBO’s Harry Potter series has a new young cast, and the Christmas launch of its first season is close. Oxford Street’s Christmas lights switch-on, built around the series, was a natural place to see them. HBO has now confirmed they won’t take part, and people have questions.
This report is organized around those questions. Every answer is attributed to the person or outlet that gave it, the competing explanations are kept separate, and because the story touches on an ongoing public debate, we’re being careful with wording.
Who won’t be at the event?
The young stars of HBO’s forthcoming Harry Potter series, according to HBO. The three main characters, Hogwarts students Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, are played by Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton, respectively.
When is the event?
The switch-on takes place from 4.30pm on Monday, November 9. This year, the central London thoroughfare will receive a makeover in partnership with the new series, alongside a flagship Harry Potter store opening on the street this week.
What did HBO say?
An HBO spokesperson said in a statement: “We’re excited to bring the magic of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to Oxford Street, and screens, this Christmas.”
The statement continued: “With production of our second season already under way, we are mindful of our young actors’ busy schedules and are judicious when it comes to asks of their time on top of their production and education commitments. We have therefore decided not to involve our young actors in the official switch-on event for the Oxford Street Christmas lights.”
What does “second season already under way” mean?
HBO’s statement says production of its second season is already under way, and it cites that alongside its young actors’ busy schedules and their production and education commitments. The information we have doesn’t give more detail about the production schedule or how it relates to the switch-on event.
What’s the store?
The Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street opens on November 4 and has been billed as the UK’s largest official Harry Potter flagship store.
How was the partnership announced?
HBO Max and the New West End Company previously announced a partnership that would “bring the magic of Harry Potter to Oxford Street this Christmas.” They called it a “festive celebration of one of the world’s most beloved stories, bringing a host of Harry Potter-inspired celebrations and attractions to shoppers, commuters, international visitors and fans throughout the festive season.”
The partnership is timed to the Christmas launch of the new series, which begins with the eight-episode season of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and to the store’s opening.
Is there another explanation?
The Sun has reported one, citing insiders. The decision comes amid reported fears of protests over J.K. Rowling’s views on trans rights, which have been the subject of controversy. The Sun reported on Sunday that HBO Max bosses met with the Metropolitan Police regarding concerns about public disorder linked to trans-rights groups.
What did the insider say?
An insider told The Sun: “It was all looking really exciting but sadly there are concerns about their safety. With the police and stakeholders, it was decided the child actors won’t appear.” The insider added: “No one wants to risk their safety if protests go ahead.”
Those are claims from unnamed insiders as reported by The Sun. HBO’s statement doesn’t mention protests or safety.
Do the two explanations conflict?
HBO points to its young actors’ schedules and their production and education commitments. The Sun’s insider points to safety concerns. We’re not reconciling the two, and the information we have doesn’t say whether they’re connected.
What’s the petition?
More than 10,000 people have signed a petition sent to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, asking him to “pull the plug on transphobia” and cancel the themed lights. The not-for-profit campaign organisation Good Law Project launched it, and it reads: “Harry Potter lights in one of the busiest streets of London will not make trans people feel Christmassy, welcome, or safe.”
What has the mayor’s office said?
Khan’s office said it was not responsible for organising the Oxford Street Christmas lights, which are arranged by the New West End Company. A City Hall London spokesman told The Telegraph: “The mayor is clear that he will always support and champion all of London’s diverse communities, including trans and non-binary Londoners.”
What’s the series about?
The first season launches this Christmas and is adapted from Rowling’s first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It aims to be a faithful adaptation while giving wider insight into the magical wizarding world beyond what the hit film franchise, which ran from 2001 to 2011, depicted.
Who else is in the cast?
The cast includes Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape and John Lithgow as Hogwarts headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore.
What isn’t known?
We don’t know whether any protest is planned for November 9 or whether the event’s format will change. We don’t know what was discussed in any meeting between HBO Max and the Metropolitan Police beyond The Sun’s report, and we haven’t seen an official response to it. We also don’t know whether the young cast will appear at other events.
Should I still go?
If you’re thinking of visiting Oxford Street for the switch-on or the store opening, check the New West End Company’s official information for the latest details before you go.
What do you think?
Were you hoping to see the young cast on Oxford Street? Tell us in the comments what you’d planned, and whether you’re counting down to Christmas and the new series. We’ll update this as more is confirmed.
