J.K. Rowling Visits New 'Harry Potter' Set for the First Time as HBO Series Films in the U.K.
If you care about where this franchise is headed next, this moment matters. J.K. Rowling (movies and tv series) has stepped onto the set of HBO's new "Harry Potter" series - her first visit since cameras started rolling this summer.
Production kicked off in July at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, with additional work happening around the U.K. The plan, as it stands now, is a 2027 release on HBO and HBO Max.
Why this visit lands with extra weight
Rowling isn't just the author whose books power the show. She's also a lightning rod. In the years since the original films, she has regularly posted anti-trans views, drawing sharp criticism and reshaping how parts of the fan base, and some talent, relate to the brand.
Back in 2020, Warner Bros. said "a diverse and inclusive culture has never been more important," stopping short of calling her out directly. Since then, she's continued to post about trans-related issues - a lot - and the reaction has been loud on both sides.
Where the cast stands
Several key "Harry Potter" and "Fantastic Beasts" actors have publicly supported trans and non-binary people. Daniel Radcliffe (movies and tv series), Rupert Grint (movies and tv series), Eddie Redmayne (movies and tv series). They've all spoken up.
The most visible rift has been with Emma Watson (movies and tv series). She posted in support of trans rights; Rowling pushed back hard, later saying she'd "never forgive" her. Watson said earlier this year what stung most was that "a conversation was never made possible," and she was open to having one. Rowling mocked that in a video she shared and criticized Watson again on X. It's ugly. And it's not resolved.
What HBO is saying
Despite the backlash, HBO has backed Rowling's involvement. A network spokesperson said last year that "J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement."
Network chief Casey Bloys added that Rowling is "very, very involved in the process selecting the writer and the director," and her public statements "haven't affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff." So the show is moving ahead with her close to the center of decision-making.
The production snapshot
On the ground, this is a big, long-tail project. Leavesden is home base again - familiar territory for this franchise - with 2027 circled as the release year. That's a long runway for development, casting, and early world-building before audiences see anything.
Deadline was first to report Rowling's visit to set. No surprise the timing lines up with early creative checkpoints: scripts, tone, and design choices that define season one.
Here's what this could mean
For fans, the takeaway is simple: the new series is real, staffed, and deep into work. Rowling showing up signals she's hands-on, which some will welcome and others won't.
For the industry, the bigger story is whether the show can balance a beloved IP with the ongoing controversy without letting one swallow the other. Maybe it can. Maybe it can't. But it will set a template for how studios handle author-led franchises under this kind of scrutiny.
What to watch next
- Creative leadership: final confirmations on writers and directors, and how closely they align with Rowling's vision.
- Casting: any signs that public statements are influencing choices or talent interest.
- Timeline: production milestones at Leavesden and when we might see first-look materials.
- Brand posture: how HBO frames marketing - centering the books, the new cast, or Rowling herself.
Look, people don't just tune into "Harry Potter." They attach memories to it. That's why this visit isn't just a set stop - it's a signal. The show is moving, the discourse isn't cooling, and the next few months will tell us if the series can stand on its storytelling without getting lost in the noise.
