Black Mirror director Ally Pankiw has given a remarkably direct answer to an invitation to work on HBO’s forthcoming Harry Potter television series: “Absolutely fucking not!”
The exchange began when Pankiw’s agent cautiously asked whether she might be interested in the project. Kate Herron, whose credits include Loki and Sex Education, joined the conversation and said the production had approached her twice. Her answer, she made clear, remained no.
HBO’s plan to revisit the Harry Potter books has attracted criticism for two separate reasons. The novels are approaching their 20th anniversary, and the story has already received a successful film adaptation. The new series is also connected to J.K. Rowling, whose public views on transgender people have led to intense controversy and financial support for anti-trans causes and policies in the United Kingdom.
The Hollywood Reporter noted that people who decline such offers are less likely to discuss those decisions publicly. That can make the visible cast and crew seem more representative of the industry’s position than they necessarily are.
Rowling’s public record has also been discussed in relation to inciting hate toward trans people. Pankiw’s decision stood out because she shared the exchange rather than leaving her refusal private.
Pankiw’s “hard no”
Pankiw posted the conversation on her Instagram. Her agent wrote that they had an instinct about the answer but felt obliged to ask, then followed with: “Harry Potter? Hard no?”
Pankiw replied: “Absolutely fucking not! lol” She immediately added, “But thank you for asking!” Her agent said the response was expected and agreed with it.
The exchange shared by Pankiw appears below.
She later added her own comment: “It simply is this easy to say no to funding transphobia!”
Kate Herron says she was asked twice
Herron responded with a message of support: “Yeah thank you exactly! Respect and love to you Ally.” She then explained that the production had contacted her on two occasions and that she had told them her answer would never change from no.
Other people involved with the series have publicly separated themselves from Rowling’s views. Bel Powley, who is playing Aunt Petunia Dursley, said she strongly disagreed with Rowling’s views on gender and that transgender people deserved safety, dignity, respect and total acceptance.
Nick Frost, who is playing Hagrid, expressed a similar distance in less detail. He said Rowling was entitled to her opinion and he was entitled to his, but that their views did not align in any way.
When does HBO’s Harry Potter series start?
The series is due to begin on HBO with eight episodes on December 25, 2026. The lengthy gaps that can occur between HBO seasons may create a practical problem for a story built around young characters. Viewers could age out of the target audience, while the young cast could be in their 30s by the time the show reaches the events of the fourth book.
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