HBO‘s forthcoming Harry Potter TV series has been accused of “wokeness” following its inclusive casting call to all races, ethnicities and gender identities.
In an advert circulating on social media, HBO says that it is looking for actors to play the lead role, along with Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.
The casting call goes on to say it is looking for children who will be between the ages of nine and 11 in April 2025 and who are residents of the UK and Ireland. The notice also states that Warner Bros. and HBO are committed to “inclusive, diverse casting” for the roles advertised.
In response to the casting call, some fans have already taken to social media to express outrage at the possibility of the characters differing in any way from the original films.
“What can they do, that hasn’t already been done in the movies? Apart from turn it incredibly woke?” posted one person on X.
Another wrote: “IF THEY ARE NOT ALL WHITE WE ARE BOYCOTTING THIS! Harry Potter is White. Ron Weasley is White. Hermione Granger is White. END OF DISCUSSION.”
“Can we please put a hold on this until Wokeness is dead?” added a third. “No one wants to watch yet another beloved story be abused by resentful, entitled, incompetent, adult-children.”
Another X user wrote: “Not a great sign for those of us hoping the remake no one is asking for would at least not fall victim to the same woke pandering for ‘modern audiences’ that has desecrated one cherished IP after another in recent years.”
What can they do, that hasn’t already been done in the movies?
Apart from turn it incredibly woke?
— Adam Brimson Designs (@AdamBrimson) September 9, 2024
🚨IF THEY ARE NOT ALL WHITE WE ARE BOYCOTTING THIS! 🚨
Harry Potter is White.
Ron Wesley is White.
Hermoine Granger is White.
END OF DISCUSSION.
🚨🤍🚨
— mymomso (@mymomso2) September 9, 2024
Can we please put a hold on this until Wokeness is dead?
No one wants to watch yet another beloved story be abused by resentful, entitled, incompetent, adult-children
— Bryan Bargowski (@GosuGains) September 10, 2024
The very first casting announcement for HBO’s Harry Potter series says they’re committed to “inclusive, diverse” casting and mentions gender identity.
Not a great sign for those of us hoping the remake no one is asking for would at least not fall victim to the same woke… https://t.co/Kf5vN2DoGv
— Taylor Trandahl (@taylortrandahl) September 10, 2024
The casting application for the series requires the actors to submit two short self-tapes, including a short poem or story, but nothing from Harry Potter.
The second self-tape asks for “a short video telling us a bit about yourself, including your date of birth, height and where you live. In addition, please describe any family member, friend or pet that you are particularly close to. Please use your own accent. One minute maximum.”
The deadline for submission is October 31 and the casting call says the show will film in the UK during 2025-2026.
The show is expected to run for seven seasons, with each adapting one of the book’s in J.K. Rowling’s series. Rowling is also said to be involved with the series, which many fans recently objected to.
The author of the best-selling fantasy series has received criticism in recent years for being outspoken in her controversial views about the transgender community.
Some cast members of the original film series, including stars Daniel Radcliffe andEmma Watson have spoken out in support of the trans community, clarifying that their views are not aligned with Rowling’s. For this, the author recently said she does not forgive the actors.
It was recently announced that the series would have Succession duo Francesca Gardiner as its writer and showrunner, and Mark Mylod as director on multiple episodes.