There's a brand-new Harry Potter TV series on the way - but fans of the JK Rowling franchise have already voiced their frustration over the new cast.
On Wednesday, HBO Max officially revealed it has commissioned a TV show adaptation of the Harry Potter novels, with each book having a season of its own.
The series will be a 'faithful adaptation' of the world famous books written by Rowling, who will serve as executive producer.
Steaming giant HBO Max confirmed the series would be produced with 'the same epic craft, love and care this global franchise is known for' in a statement on Wednesday evening.
“The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail, much loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over twenty-five years,” the streamer said.
“Each season will be authentic to the original books and bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and beloved films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
Meanwhile, author Rowling, 57, said preserving the integrity of her books is important, adding: “This new adaptation will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a longform TV series.”
While the announcement sparked immense excitement amongst some Harry Potter fans around the globe, others were less than impressed about the idea of turning the world-famous book and movie franchise into a TV series after the main cast have almost all distanced themselves from Rowling following her controversial views about the LGBTQ+ community.
Given that Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint gave incredible and unforgettable performances as Harry, Hermione and Ron, more loyal Harry Potter fans have insisted that a whole new cast would 'completely ruin' the whole concept of the franchise.
More fans share their concern that the TV show is a 'huge slap in the face' for the main cast of the globally successful franchise given their years of hard work, only to end up distancing themselves from Rowling.
Rowling's controversial views on transgender people and gender identity caused widespread outrage during the height of the pandemic after she slammed the term 'people who menstruate' being used in replace of the word 'woman 'in a tweet.
Following the blow up, Rowling penned a lengthy essay on her website stating her position on trans issues, which boils down to her belief that biological sex should be considered separate from gender.
At the time, onlookers, including members of the Harry Potter cast, criticised her comment as being 'anti-trans' and 'transphobic'.
Several actors who have Harry Potter projects over the years have since made their own statements, promoting and celebrating trans rights and people as well as distancing themselves from the author's controversial opinions on the sensitive topic.
In a lengthy statement which released via The Trevor Project, Daniel Radcliffe penned: "Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I.
"If you found anything in these stories that resonate with you and helped you at any time in your life—then that is between you and the book that you read, and it is sacred," Daniel added in the inspiring statement.
Soon after Daniel's powerful words, many other Harry Potter actors followed suit.
Actress Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood in multiple films, shared a statement on her Twitter account as she wrote: "Feeling like you don't fit in or aren't accepted for who you are the worst, most lonely feelings a human can experience, and I won't be helping to marginalise trans women and men further.
"I applaud the immense bravery they show in embracing themselves and think we all should listen to their stories."
Meanwhile, Emma Watson, who played Hermione clapped back at Rowling's controversial opinion as she shared her support for the trans community.
At the time, Emma shared: "Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren't who they say they are.
"I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are."
Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the Potter films, also responded to Rowling's remarks, becoming the last of the three central cast members to do so.
The actor issued a statement to the The Times, saying: "I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers.
"Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment."
Bonnie Wright, the actress who portrayed Ginny Weasley in the franchise, also spoke out via Twitter at the time.
The actress tweeted: "If Harry Potter was a source of love and belonging for you, that love is infinite and there to take without judgment or question. Transwomen are Women. I see and love you."
While each of the cast members have distanced themselves since, it hasn't stopped Rowling in her tracks to further expand the Harry Potter franchise, with a TV series being her next big venture - but many fans are livid over the change of cast.
The official Harry Potter Universe Twitter page shared: "This new Harry Potter TV series will replace all of our favorite actors from the films and, despite being a massive fan of everything Harry Potter, I will NOT support it."
"Really bummed about this. The films only finished a decade ago, and now there’s going to be all new actors playing the characters. Can’t picture anyone other than Alan Rickman as Snape, Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid, Emma Watson as Hermione, and so on," they added.
"There will NEVER be another Harry, Ron or Hermione that isn't played by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. A remake of Harry Potter is OFFENSIVE, an IMPECCABLE cinematographic work that has no NEED to be played. We don't want HBO," another fan fumed.
"Not a chance I'll be watching this. Why completely ruin something that was so magical and special for so many years. Does Rowling not have enough money already? Enough," another complained.
While a fourth raged: "No cast could EVER live up to Daniel, Emma, and Rupert."
Despite the backlash from some unimpressed Harry Potter fans, creator Rowling said she was 'looking forward' to being a part of the new adaptation.
“Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long form television series,” the author said.
The multimillionaire author’s Potter films grossed more than £6 billion at the box office between 2001 and 2011 and launched the careers of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.
