HBO have hit global headlines today for two drastically opposing reasons.
Ahead of the release of the upcoming Harry Potter series reboot, the production firm - in association with Warner Bros - have given an exciting update about what we can expect from the small-screen adaptation.
But they've also been forced to address the criticism that the company's association with anti-trans writer JK Rowling - who'll serve as a creative advisor - by releasing a statement that has caused quite a stir online.
Let's start with the good news.
Potterfans have been drip-fed spoilers for the upcoming series.
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Warner Bros boss Channing Dungey previously said of the project - which is set to premiere in 2026 - that it'll be 'more in-depth that you can in just a two-hour film'.
They added: "That’s the whole reason we’re on this journey."
Though the main characters haven't even been cast yet, earlier this week, fans caught wind of speculation that I May Destroy You actor Paapa Essiedu is in the running to play Severus Snape - a role previously brought to life by the late Alan Rickman.
After Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod were revealed as the series' writer and director, they this week unveiled some mind-blowing details about the production on Thursday (Dec 5).
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"We have 8 hours to tell the first book, so we can dig into the real depths and crevices and how the language of magic can evolve," the pair explained, adding that they're also in the midst of auditioning the 32,000 children who have applied for the lead roles of Harry, Ron and Hermoine.
Warner Bros Discovery's CEO and President of Global Streaming also hinted yesterday that we can expect the series to run for 10 seasons, in further news.
However, a statement that HBO's producers seemingly felt compelled to release in response to the backlash they've received over their association with JK Rowling has somewhat tainted the exciting double-whammy updates.
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The writer of the original series of eight children's novels has centred herself in mass debate since 2020, when she began a Twitter tirade against transgender activists.
The years that followed saw several cast members from the Wizarding World blockbusters publicly distancing themselves from Rowling's harmful views - particularly titular actor Daniel Radcliffe and Hermoine Grainger star Emma Watson.
Radcliffe recently made a point of apologising to his followers for any 'pain' that the writer's opinions had inflicted upon them, and Watson has since frequently tweeted in solidarity with the trans community, recently saying members 'are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned'.
Naturally therefore, when HBO announced that they'd be teaming up with the Harry Potter author to create a television recreation of the eight films, many fans of the franchise were outraged.
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In a stern message released today, however, the production firm appears to be defending their decision to work closely alongside the controversial writer.
"We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter – the heartwarming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance," their statement began.
“JK 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."
Topics: Harry Potter, JK Rowling, TV And Film
Rhianna Benson