Lilly Wachowski says paying for Harry Potter funds her eradication, three months before HBO's show
Lilly Wachowski has taken aim at HBO’s new Harry Potter TV show and J.K. Rowling — with an accusation as stark as they come.
If you thought the drama over Harry Potter had died down since the original films, think again. The long-expected HBO Max TV reboot is stirring up nothing short of a firestorm, and this time it’s not just moody fans or squabbling cast members in the mix. Lilly Wachowski—yes, that’s right, the co-director behind The Matrix—has properly waded in, with some choice words about J.K. Rowling and anyone still putting their money into the Potter machine.
Wachowski Takes Aim
Featured in a new Variety profile, Wachowski wasn’t exactly subtle when asked about her opposition to Rowling’s involvement in the upcoming series. Here’s how she laid it out in the interview:
J.K. Rowling funds trans genocide, full stop. So, if you support “Harry Potter,” you’re supporting trans genocide.
No room for creative interpretation there. According to Wachowski’s view, spending on Harry Potter content means helping bankroll Rowling’s advocacy, which she argues directly finances anti-trans legislation across the globe. She didn’t stop at Rowling either, pointing out how celebrities like Elon Musk and companies such as Tesla draw the same scrutiny for what your financial support ultimately underwrites. The filmmaker’s most pointed message: by enjoying the franchise, you’re ‘supporting my eradication.’ That’s about as blunt as you can get in Hollywood.
Beyond the Wizarding World
If you’ve not kept up with Wachowski lately, she’s been busy outside the mainstream. Her recent gig? Showrunning the comedy Work in Progress, plus launching the Anarchists United Foundation and Anarchists United Studio to champion stories from groups that barely get a look in with most studios.
The larger Rowling debate isn’t exactly a new thing. She’s been called out repeatedly for her stance on trans rights ever since those infamous tweets, and it’s got so messy that even some big names tied to the wizard saga have distanced themselves. Several incoming TV series cast members have spoken up against Rowling, and one major director flat-out refused to get involved with the reboot.
- Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint—the holy trinity of Potterdom—have all issued their own statements in support of transgender people.
HBO’s Harry Potter reboot is slated for a Christmas Day launch on 25 December 2026.
The row over cash, fandom, and activism is only going to ramp up the closer we get to that date.