The upcoming Harry Potter TV show has just faced another backlash amid the ongoing controversy surrounding J. K. Rowling’s anti-trans comments. Writer and filmmaker Ally Pankiw, who has previously directed a Black Mirror episode, has announced her decision to turn down the high-profile HBO project.
In a recent Instagram post, Pankiw shared a screenshot of a chat in which she was asked whether she would join the new Harry Potter series. In a decisive response, the director said, “Absolutely f***ing not! lol.” She added in parentheses, “But thank you for asking.”
Pankiw also added a caption, saying, “It simply is this easy to say no to funding transphobia! (Also this was for directing, not acting… obviously lol).”
The Canadian writer and director has worked on multiple notable television shows in the past. She was a story editor on Schitt’s Creek and directed Mae Martin’s semi-autobiographical comedy series Feel Good. Pankiw has also directed some episodes of Shrill and The Great. One of her most standout works is directing “Joan Is Awful,” the debut episode of Black Mirror Season 6.
Loki director says she turned down the show twice
Kate Herron, best known for directing Disney+’s Loki, commented under Pankiw’s post, showing support for her fellow director’s decision to turn down HBO’s Harry Potter series. Herron revealed that she was asked to join the project as well, but she refused.
Agreeing with Pankiw’s stance, Herron commented, “Yeah thank you exactly! Respect and love to you Ally.” The director then shared, “They’ve asked me twice and I’ve had to explain my answer is never gonna change from a no.”
Pankiw responded to Herron in a new Instagram story, sharing a screenshot of the comment. “Also want to shout out the amazing @herronthatkate who also said no…twice! And that’s actually hard,” Pankiw wrote in the caption.
The first season of the Harry Potter series premieres on HBO and HBO Max on Christmas Day 2026. The show has already been renewed for a second season.
