Directors Ally Pankiw and Kate Herron have publicly stated they turned down opportunities to direct episodes for HBO's upcoming "Harry Potter" series due to author J.K. Rowling's views on transgender issues.
Pankiw, known for directing episodes of "Black Mirror," shared on Instagram that the project was an easy "hard no" for her, describing it as a straightforward way for industry professionals to avoid financially supporting views they oppose. She clarified that it was not a formal job offer but rather an opportunity to discuss directing.
Herron, who directed "Loki," commented on Pankiw's post, stating she had been approached twice about the "Harry Potter" production and had consistently declined. "I've had to explain my answer is never going to change from a ‘no,’" Herron said.
HBO has previously defended its relationship with Rowling, who is an executive producer on the series. A spokesperson stated in 2024 that Rowling has the right to express her personal views and that her involvement benefits the adaptation. HBO CEO Casey Bloys also indicated in 2024 that Rowling was involved in selecting the writer and director and that her views had not impacted hiring decisions for writers, performers, and production staff.
Rowling has faced criticism for her public statements on transgender issues, which she has characterized as a defense of women's sports, female-only spaces, and sex-based legal protections. In a 2025 social media post, she questioned whether women and girls should have separate changing rooms and bathrooms, whether women should retain sex-only rape crisis centers, and whether men should be excluded from women's sports and women's prisons.
British actress Bel Powley, who plays Petunia Dursley in the series, has stated she disagrees with Rowling's views, emphasizing the need for safety, dignity, respect, and acceptance for the transgender community.
Rowling's team declined to comment on Pankiw's accusation that working on the series would amount to "funding transphobia" or on whether these refusals could affect HBO's ability to recruit talent.