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Harry Potter

People Are Canceling Their Subscriptions Over This HBO Max Announcement

Posted by: Lana Porter April 13, 2023

By now, you’ve probably heard the rumors that the streaming platform HBO Max, rebranded as ‘Max,’ is developing a Max original Harry Potter series. That rumor was confirmed yesterday when HBO Max Tweeted This:

Your Hogwarts letter is here. Max has ordered the first ever #HarryPotter scripted television series, a faithful adaptation of the iconic books. #StreamOnMax

There was speculation on what ‘faithful’ might actually entail because many fans feel that the Harry Potter film franchise from 2001 to 2010 is a masterpiece. Fans were also quick to notice John Williams’ iconic film music was used for the announcement. Max is already planning for the show to be a “decade-long series” with a new cast – though fans can’t imagine a wizarding world without Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson.

Harry Potter Cast

HBO Max

The biggest revelation, however, is that JK Rowling will be attached to the project as an executive producer. Infamously, Rowling has been entangled in controversy for her views on the trans community. Her incendiary comments have driven a deep divide in Harry Potter fans. Some still want to enjoy her work, but others cannot reconcile with her political opinions.

In fact, HBO’s announcement of the ordered Harry Potter series prompted customers to abruptly end their subscriptions in protest. Check out some of the tweets here.

Guess I’m not renewing my subscription. Literally so gross and I bet it flips after 1 maybe 2 seasons. And that’s being generous. Do better HBO. Give us original stories that aren’t founded by a bigoted nightmare. #TransRightAreHumanRights

This is a huge slap in the face to the LGBT community. I’ll be cancelling my subscription #HBOMax

You didn’t need to so blatantly remind us that your owner is a raging homophobe and transphobe. We already knew that when you outright refused to promote any of your shows with queer characters. I’m cancelling my subscription.

I just cancelled my subscription. The exit survey didn’t have “not a single more nickel of money of mine goes to JK Rowling,” so consider this my answer. #TransRightsAreHumanRights

[UNSUBSCRIBE]

Some fans are still trying to find a way to be excited about the series without aligning themselves with the view of Rowling.

Can some of the proceeds from the new work be donated to the trans community that is so attacked by the author of Harry Potter? Come on HBO Max, JK  Rowling is already too rich.

Very true, but I’m talking about the actors primarily. Additionally, not every HP fan shares JK Rowling’s views. It’s ok to still like what she has created without supporting her bigotry. The money she gets is from people’s love for her work, not her opinions.

https://twitter.com/MTODoesThings/status/1646511820495273985?s=20

RELATED: Universal Orlando Announces Closure of Harry Potter Attraction

Audiences are still years away from the Harry Potter series premiere, so there is plenty of time for things to change. Fans are watching to see how HBO Max will respond to the backlash.

About Lana Porter

Lana has never lost a Disney Trivia night. Maybe it’s the hundreds of times she’s been to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, her love for Disney’s ’90’s era hand-animated musicals, or the fact that she’s often likened to cartoon characters, but Disney and its magic have a special place in her heart. Her favorite Disney experiences include the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, eating Mickey Bars on the PeopleMover, and crying during the Magic Kingdom fireworks show. One day she hopes to be chosen as the rebel spy on Star Tours. When Lana isn’t Park Hopping, she’s at home reading books of all topics, watching her favs on Disney+, or snuggling her two cats, which she swears are not named after Disney characters. She loves surprising people with her knowledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe but admits she is still catching up with Star Wars. She is happy to combine her excitement for writing with her love for Disney-style storytelling and share what she can with the world!