HBO Boss Dodges J.K. Rowling Anti-Trans Controversy After Announcing ‘Harry Potter’ Series: ‘Our Priority Is What’s On Screen’

variety.com:

a new “Harry Potter” TV series served as the climax of Warner Bros. Discovery’s presentation to press and investors on April 12 to tout the combination of HBO Max and Discovery+ into a new service dubbed simply Max.

During a Q&A with press after the presentation, however, executives were less forthcoming about the involvement of the franchise’s creator, J.K.

Rowling. The author, who will be an executive producer on the series, has become an increasingly controversial figure for repeatedly sharing views that trans women are not women, and trans men are not men.

HBO and Max content chief Casey Bloys declined to comment on Rowling’s views when asked how they may affect the ability to find talent for the series. “No, I don’t think this is the forum,” Bloys said. “That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into.” “Our priority is what’s on the screen,” Bloys continued. “Obviously, the ‘Harry Potter’ story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance.