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Harry Potter Cast Finds Its Young Star Amid Trans Rights Controversy

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Entertainment Desk

In Short: HBO's new Harry Potter series has cast its young stars and faces controversy over trans rights.

Harry Potter (Wikidata P18).

HBO's highly anticipated new Harry Potter series, set to premiere on Christmas Day, has cast its young stars, including Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, alongside a seasoned cast including John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.

The casting of Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape has drawn significant attention due to Essiedu's public support for trans rights.

Essiedu, who joined other stars in signing an open letter denouncing a U.K. Supreme Court ruling that defined womanhood by biological sex, has faced backlash for his stance.

HBO boss Casey Bloys acknowledged the potential for vitriol directed at the cast, particularly Essiedu, and has taken precautions, including training and a serious security team.

The casting process for the young actors was particularly challenging, with director Jonny Firstman calling it the most 'nerve-wracking' part of making the series.

Essiedu's decision to support trans rights has not been without consequences. He has faced racist backlash and death threats, leading HBO to increase on-set security.

The series, which explores the rise of Harry Potter and the author’s use of her platform to fight trans rights, aims to balance the magic and adventure of the original books with the complexities of contemporary issues.

In a statement, HBO expressed support for the peaceful expression of personal viewpoints and condemned any form of abuse directed at the cast.

The series promises to bring the beloved world of Harry Potter to life, with a focus on the courage and friendship that defined the original stories.

The casting of the young stars and the ongoing support for trans rights highlight the series' commitment to inclusivity and respect.

The series is set to premiere on Christmas Day, with fans eagerly anticipating the return of the magical world of Harry Potter.

What this adds

Background

What's confirmed

• HBO's Harry Potter has found its James and Lily Potter.
• Most of the new Harry Potter cast has been revealed ahead of the December 25 premiere, including Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy.

What's still developing

• Premiering on Christmas Day, Harry Potter began filming in the UK last summer.
• The Harry Potter actor, 37, revealed during the New York City premiere for his new animated film Steps that he isn’t planning on watching HBO’s upcoming television series adaptation of J.K.
• We support everyone's right to the peaceful expression of personal viewpoints and look forward to a day full of magic.' The protest was part of a series of demonstrations against Rowling’s anti-trans views, including similar scenes at the recent West End gala performance of the play Harry Potter And The Cursed Child and the 2023 release of video game Hogwarts Legacy.
• Sure, most of the time I was imagining Daniel Radcliff as Harry Potter and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, because that’s how they were first introduced to me.

Sources

• Deadlinelink
• Entertainment Weeklylink
• IndieWirelink
• Los Angeles Timeslink
• Peoplelink
• Screenrantlink
• The Hollywood Reporterlink
• Tmzlink
• Varietylink
• Warpbeatlink
• Wikiofthroneslink
• Women's Healthlink
• WarpBeat — background on Harry Potter Star Paapa Essiedu Stands Firm on Trans Rights Amid Controversy link
• WarpBeat — background on Harry Potter Star Paapa Essiedu Stands Firm on Trans Rights Amid Backlash link
• Wikipedia — background on Harry Potter link