A 25th anniversary turns fans toward Harry Potter films ahead of new TV series release

From book to global success

Bloomsbury published the first Harry Potter book in June 1997, with an initial print run of 500 hardcover copies. Its popularity first grew through word of mouth among schoolchildren, then received wider attention after it won the Nestle Smarties Book Prize later that year.

The book has sold an estimated 120 million-plus copies worldwide, making it the series’ best-selling title and one of the best-selling novels of all time. First editions have become collectors’ items; one hardcover copy sold for $400,000 through Heritage Auctions in mid-October.

Rowling’s views divide fans

In an essay on her website dated October 21, 2026, Rowling restated her opposition to what she calls the “current, dominant strain of trans activism.” Critics have accused her of transphobia, while supporters describe her position as a defense of women’s rights and safety. Fans have responded in different ways. German YouTuber Kathrin Fricke, known as Coldmirror for her Harry Potter parodies, told the Süddeutsche Zeitung she could no longer watch the films “in good conscience,” citing Rowling’s campaigning against transgender people.

A new series for HBO

Warner Bros., which holds the Harry Potter film rights, is adapting the books as an HBO series. Its first season will have eight episodes and adapt the first book; the premiere is scheduled for December 25. Episode lengths have not been announced.

The series format offers more room for subplots, character development and everyday life at Hogwarts than the films, though some fans are skeptical about seeing familiar characters played by new actors. Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry, Arabella Stanton will play Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout will play Ron Weasley.

Rowling is an executive producer. HBO says her views on gender identity will not be reflected in the storyline, and several people involved in the production have publicly distanced themselves from those views. The three original lead stars—Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint—have spoken in support of transgender people; Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter have defended Rowling’s right to express her views.