J.K. Rowling stated on Monday that she does not have the authority to remove actor Paapa Essiedu from HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series and would not act on that power even if she had it, responding to speculation following Essiedu’s support for trans rights.
Essiedu, who is set to play Severus Snape in the new adaptation, signed an open letter urging the U.K. entertainment industry to support the trans community. The letter, endorsed by over 400 actors including Eddie Redmayne and Katie Leung, was released following a U.K. Supreme Court ruling that legally defines the word “woman” based on biological sex.
“I don’t have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn’t exercise it if I did,” Rowling wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I don’t believe in taking away people’s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.”
The letter stated that the ruling “undermines the lived reality and threatens the safety of trans, nonbinary and intersex people living in the U.K.” It was signed by multiple actors associated with the Harry Potter franchise, prompting speculation over whether Rowling would respond professionally or publicly.
Rowling addressed those concerns with a series of social media posts over the weekend. In a lengthy statement, she criticized the letter and those who supported it, without naming specific individuals. “Some argue that signatories of these sorts of letters are motivated by fear: fear for their careers, of course, but also fear of their co-religionists, who include angry, narcissistic men who threaten and sometimes enact violence on non-believers; back-stabbing colleagues ever ready to report wrongthink,” she wrote.
Rowling has voiced support for the court’s ruling, posting on X that she “loved it when a plan comes together,” referring to the legal outcome.
I don’t have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn’t exercise it if I did. I don’t believe in taking away people’s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine. pic.twitter.com/nKcAl3gcvO
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 5, 2025
Essiedu has not responded publicly to Rowling’s statements.
The upcoming HBO series has drawn attention due to Rowling’s continued involvement with the franchise and her stance on gender identity laws. Critics have raised concerns that her views might influence the production. In response, HBO Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys addressed the issue during an appearance on The Town with Matthew Belloni podcast.
“It’s pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She’s entitled to them,” Bloys said. “Harry Potter is not secretly being infused with anything. If you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.”
He added that HBO has an existing relationship with Rowling through the BBC co-produced series C.B. Strike. “Our priority is what’s on the screen,” Bloys said. “The Harry Potter story is about love and self-acceptance.”
Criticism of Rowling’s remarks extended beyond the cast of the original films. Actor Pedro Pascal appeared at the Thunderbolts premiere in London wearing a shirt that read “Protect the Dolls,” and later called Rowling’s response to the court ruling “heinous LOSER behavior.” Nicola Coughlan, known for Bridgerton, stated online, “Keep your new Harry Potter lads. Wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot pole.”
While Rowling’s social media presence has remained active in addressing public and professional criticism, she has not indicated any change in her role within the HBO project.
Essiedu is known for roles in I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project. He has not issued further comment regarding his inclusion in the open letter or Rowling’s remarks.
