The BBC has commissioned a two-part documentary exploring the life, career and legacy of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, including the controversy surrounding her views on transgender rights.
The series will examine how Rowling went from a bookish childhood to becoming one of the world's most successful authors, before looking at how her outspoken views on gender identity, feminism and free speech have made her an increasingly divisive public figure.
The first episode will explore Rowling's early life and the creation of the Harry Potter books, which became a global phenomenon and inspired a generation of readers.
Emma Watson with Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint in 2007. Photo credit: S Buckley, Shutterstock
“As the books inspired a generation of outsiders and brought millions of young fans together through the emerging internet, Rowling created a universe with an economic legacy worth billions,” a press release explains.
The second episode will focus on her life after Harry Potter, including her involvement in political and cultural debates that have sparked fierce reactions online.
“Amid the rise of social media and intensifying culture wars, her interventions on Scottish independence, feminism, free speech and gender identity place her at the centre of increasingly bitter online exchanges,” the BBC said.
The documentary will feature archive interviews with Rowling. Although she is aware the series is being made, she is not involved in its creation.
It is due to premiere next year, following the launch of HBO's new television adaptation of Harry Potter.
J.K. Rowling. Photo credit: Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
One of the most significant aspects of Rowling's public life in recent years has been the backlash to her comments about transgender people, which critics have described as transphobic.
Rowling has repeatedly defended her position, arguing that she is speaking up for women's rights and sex-based protections, while rejecting accusations of transphobia.
The controversy intensified in 2020, when Rowling criticised the use of the phrase “people who menstruate” in an article about menstrual health.
She questioned why the word “women” was not used instead, prompting widespread criticism from transgender people, LGBTQ+ organisations and supporters.
Rowling subsequently published a lengthy essay outlining her views on sex and gender identity.
Her comments and later interventions on transgender rights have continued to generate controversy, with critics accusing her of undermining transgender people's identities and rights.
The dispute has also created a public divide between Rowling and several actors who became famous through the Harry Potter film franchise.
Daniel Radcliffe. Photo credit: Ron Adar, Shutterstock
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, was among the first to respond publicly to Rowling's comments. In 2020, he issued a statement through LGBTQ+ charity The Trevor Project, writing: “Transgender women are women.”
He said he wanted transgender and non-binary fans to know that not everyone associated with the franchise shared Rowling's views.
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, also voiced her support for transgender people, saying they deserved to live without having their identities questioned.
Rupert Grint, who portrayed Ron Weasley, similarly declared his support for the trans community, stating: “Trans women are women. Trans men are men.”
Eddie Redmayne. Photo credit: Fred Duval, Shutterstock
Other Harry Potter stars have also spoken out in support of transgender rights, including Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, and Eddie Redmayne, who starred as Newt Scamander in the Fantastic Beasts films.
Rowling has since publicly criticised some of her former cast members for disagreeing with her views.
In 2024, she said she would not forgive Radcliffe and Watson for speaking out against her position on transgender rights. Radcliffe later described the breakdown in their relationship as “really sad”.
Tom Felton. Photo credit: Lev Radin, Shutterstock
Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy, took a different approach when asked about the controversy in 2025, ahead of his return to the franchise in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway.
Asked whether Rowling's views affected his work in the Harry Potter universe, Felton said: “No, I can't say it does. I'm not really that attuned to it.”
He went on to express gratitude to Rowling for creating a franchise that had brought people together around the world.
