J.K. Rowling's reputation almost forced a major Harry Potter actor out of HBO's upcoming 2026 reboot.

The author uses her mammoth social media following to target trans people. How did we get here?

What did this fantasy GOAT see that we didn't?

J. K. Rowling seemingly gave her seal of approval on the new Harry Potter reboot, even as backlash continues to swirl around the project.

J.K. Rowling responded to one of the most talked-about updates surrounding HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series following the release of its first trailer. The author shared a brief reaction as anticipation continues to build around the long-term adaptation.

J.K. Rowling responded for the first time Thursday to HBO's trailer for its upcoming "Harry Potter" series, which debuted earlier this week. After a full day-and-a-half of online chatter dissecting the first trailer for HBO's "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" — which announced a surprise Christmas 2026 premiere date at Wednesday's time-of-launch — the author responded directly to one fan praising the project on X Thursday

However, McLean's sister Liz grabbed headlines on Thursday after her pointed comments on J. K. Rowling. She slammed the British writer's supporters after the first look at the new Harry Potter reboot was released this week. She wrote in her Instagram story:

Andrew Garfield feels that to forego watching the Harry Potter films due to the anti-transgender views espoused by the books’ author J.K. Rowling would be tantamount to “throw[ing] the baby out with the bath water.” Steph Curry, Gavin Newsom earn ...