The key facts

  • BBC has commissioned a two-part documentary about J.K. Rowling; the author herself is not involved in the project
  • The first episode covers her childhood and the creation of Harry Potter, the second her career after the saga and online conflicts
  • The premiere is expected next year, after the launch of the HBO series in December

BBC's new documentary project

BBC has commissioned a two-part documentary about the career and legacy of J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series. In the BBC press release she is described as a 'polarising' figure who alienated a significant portion of fans and the cast of the film adaptations due to her views on gender and the transgender community. Rowling herself is not involved in the making of the film. The premiere is scheduled for next year — after the launch of HBO's new Harry Potter adaptation, slated for December.

What the episodes will cover

The first part will be devoted to the writer's 'bookish childhood' and the creation of the Harry Potter series. According to the press release authors, the books inspired a generation and united millions of young fans through the developing internet, and Rowling created a universe with an economic legacy worth billions. The second episode will cover her career after the saga's conclusion: against the backdrop of the rise of social media and escalating culture wars, her statements on Scottish independence, feminism, free speech and gender identity placed her at the centre of fierce online disputes.

Context: accusations of censorship against the BBC

The announcement came amid accusations against the BBC itself of 'censoring trans people': the corporation blurred the pro-trans slogan 'Protect The Dolls' on the T-shirt of House of the Dragon actress Bethany Antonia in an episode of Strictly Come Dancing.

Disputes around the HBO series

HBO's new Harry Potter series, on which Rowling serves as executive producer, has also sparked controversy: some fans spoke out against her and called for a boycott of the project over her 'transphobia'. In August, actor Nicholas Hoult faced criticism for his involvement in filming and ultimately left the project; he was replaced by Kit Harington, who also faced a negative reaction. John Lithgow, who plays Albus Dumbledore, recently said he had considered leaving the project due to the criticism he received, but decided to stay, calling the books 'obviously on the side of the angels, against intolerance and bigotry'.