Canadian filmmaker Ally Pankiw announced on Thursday that she declined an opportunity to direct an upcoming TV series based on the beloved “Harry Potter” franchise, citing her stance against supporting transphobic content. Pankiw shared a screenshot of a text conversation on Instagram where she adamantly rejected the offer, emphasizing her uncompromising stance against funding projects that promote transphobia.
The accomplished director, known for her work on acclaimed shows like “Black Mirror” and “Feel Good,” as well as the film “I Used to be Funny,” reaffirmed her decision with a message declaring, “It simply is this easy to say no to funding transphobia!” She clarified that the offer was for a directing role, not acting.
Scheduled to premiere on HBO Max on December 25, 2026, the new series titled “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” is adapted from J.K. Rowling’s iconic fantasy book series. The show will be available for streaming on Crave in Canada.
Rowling, the author of the “Harry Potter” books, has faced backlash for her controversial views on transgender issues, including her public support for individuals with similar opinions. Despite the ongoing controversies surrounding Rowling’s statements, the “Harry Potter” franchise continues to be a topic of debate, with recent instances of criticism directed at related partnerships and events.
In a show of solidarity, fellow director and writer Kate Herron also shared her decision to decline involvement in the “Harry Potter” series, echoing Pankiw’s sentiments. Herron, known for her work on popular series like “Loki,” expressed her unwavering stance against participating in the project, emphasizing that her answer would always be a resolute “no.”
While Pankiw praised Herron’s choice on social media, inquiries to Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of HBO, regarding the impact of these refusals on the series production remain unanswered. Requests for additional insights into Pankiw’s text exchange have also gone unanswered at this time.