Harry Potter fans have become furious with American pay television network HBO after they shared an advert that called on children between the ages of nine and 11 to audition for the upcoming series.
Back in February, the company took to their X account and shared: “Your Hogwarts letter is here. Max has ordered the first ever Harry Potter scripted television series, a faithful adaptation of the iconic books.”
Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav later confirmed that the first instalment of the show will hit HBO Max in 2026, and said: “We’ve not been shy about our excitement around Harry Potter.
“We spent some real time with J.K. and her team. Both sides are just thrilled to be reigniting this franchise. Our conversations were great, and we couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead. We can’t wait to share a decade of new stories with fans around the world on Max.”
Despite the original excitement surrounding the series, fans have since hit out at HBO and claimed they were going “woke” following its inclusive casting call to all races, ethnicities and gender identities.
In an advert seen on X, HBO said that it is looking for actors to play the lead role, along with Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, with the notice also stating that Warner Bros and HBO are committed to “inclusive, diverse casting” for the roles advertised.
The search for the new #HarryPotter stars is underway
A casting call has been listed to find Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley for the upcoming HBO series
Filming is expected to begin in 2025 pic.twitter.com/8FHZI2vq2y
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) September 9, 2024
It 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.
Loyal fans of the books and films quickly took to their own X account to slam the advert and expressed their outrage at the possibility of the characters differing from the original films.
“What can they do, that hasn’t already been done in the movies? Apart from turning it incredibly woke?” one furious user slammed.
Another penned: “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?” a third quipped before a fourth jibed: “No one wants to watch yet another beloved story be abused by resentful, entitled, incompetent, children.”
Someone else said: “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.” (sic)
For those wanting to apply, the casting application 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.”
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The deadline for submission is October 31 and the casting call says the show will film in the UK during 2025-2026.
Rowling is also said to be involved with the series, which many fans recently objected to due to her ongoing outspoken and controversial views about the transgender community.
Original Harry Potter stars such as Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson have spoken out in support of the trans community, clarifying that their views are not aligned with Rowling’s, leaving the author to admit she does not forgive the actors.
