Amid J.K. Rowling controversy, Black Mirror director turns down Harry Potter TV show

Here we go again — Harry Potter's new HBO series can’t seem to shake its endless drama. This time, it’s the creative talent turning their backs, and not exactly in a quiet fashion. If you follow TV directors at all, you’ll know Ally Pankiw — she did that fantastic 'Joan Is Awful' episode for Black Mirror, plus bits of Schitt's Creek, Feel Good, Shrill, and The Great. This week, she’s made it very public that she wants nothing to do with Potter’s reboot, all thanks to the ongoing fallout from J. K. Rowling's trans comments.

The first season of the Harry Potter series is out on HBO and HBO Max from Christmas Day 2026 — and it’s already bagged a second season before a single episode has aired.

‘Absolutely f***ing not!’

Pankiw posted a screenshot to Instagram, revealing she'd been approached to direct for the new series. Her response? Not exactly ambiguous: 'Absolutely f***ing not! lol.' She tacked on a quick thank you in brackets, just to keep it polite(ish). Then for good measure, she captioned the post, 'It simply is this easy to say no to funding transphobia! (Also this was for directing, not acting… obviously lol).' Not subtle, but you get the message.

For those not in the know, Pankiw’s got some real comedy and genre TV chops already — she was a story editor on Schitt’s Creek, directed Mae Martin’s Feel Good, plus Black Mirror’s latest season opener. Definitely a rising name if HBO had landed her, but, clearly, not happening.

Other directors are swerving too

Turns out it’s not just Pankiw turning down the job. Under the Instagram post, Kate Herron — yes, the very same who gave us Disney+’s Loki — commented in solidarity. Herron said she’s been asked twice to join the Harry Potter series, and both times she’s said no, with no signs of changing her mind. Respect and love all round in that comments section. Pankiw even reposted Herron’s remarks, giving her a proper shout-out for standing firm. Clearly, directors are talking to each other about this one.

• The new Harry Potter TV show launches 25 December 2026 on HBO and HBO Max
• It’s already renewed for series 2 — someone’s confident
• Ally Pankiw ('Joan Is Awful', 'Schitt’s Creek', etc) said a blunt no to directing
• Kate Herron (‘Loki’) also rejected the gig — twice, apparently
• Rowling’s reputation and comments, as ever, are still at the heart of it