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J.K. Rowling to Write 2 More ‘Harry Potter’ Books Amid Ongoing HBO Reboot Backlash

Harry Potter next to a birdcage at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, in a scene reminiscent of the upcoming Harry Potter reboot.
Credit: DisneyDining.com

J.K. Rowling is set to pen two more books in the Harry Potter universe.

The move comes amid ongoing controversy around HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot. Much of the backlash stems from J.K. Rowling’s involvement as executive producer, despite her controversial and outspoken views on transgender rights. Older actors such as John Lithgow (who replaces Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore) have faced criticism for joining the production, while directors Kate Herron and Ally Pankiw revealed they rejected offers to work on the series over Rowling’s stance.

JK Rowling visits the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan

Credit: Universal Studios Japan

Casting decisions have also sparked outrage, particularly Paapa Essiedu’s portrayal of Severus Snape, previously played by Alan Rickman. Essiedu revealed he received racist abuse and death threats after accepting the role, prompting HBO to implement additional security measures.

The controversy has continued despite the show’s highly anticipated Christmas premiere – and it seems like it hasn’t interrupted Bloomsbury Publishing’s plans for more Harry Potter books.

Two New ‘Harry Potter’ Books Coming

Two new Harry Potter books are officially on the way, with publisher Bloomsbury expanding its collection of illustrated guides to the wizarding world. Professor McGonagall and Fred and George Weasley will both arrive on February 23, 2027, continuing the Pocket Potters series launched in 2025.

Exclusive reveal: Say hello to Professor McGonagall and Fred and George Weasley! 👀 🤩
New collectable Pocket Potters, little character guides to the Harry Potter stories, releasing February 2027. Perfect for kids starting their Harry Potter adventure.

The books will focus on some of Hogwarts’ most recognizable characters. Professor McGonagall, illustrated by Natalie Smillie, will explore the Transfiguration professor’s magical abilities, her decision to buy Harry his first broomstick, and the meaning of a Hatstall during the Hogwarts Sorting Ceremony.

Meanwhile, Fred and George Weasley will explore the mischievous twins’ adventures at Hogwarts. Illustrated by Helen Brady, the book will examine how the brothers discovered the castle’s secret passages, their magical joke products, and their famously difficult-to-distinguish appearances. Both releases will feature 32 pages of full-color illustrations.

The characters are also set to appear in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot. Janet McTeer will portray Professor McGonagall, previously played by the late Maggie Smith, while Tristan and Gabriel Harland will play Fred and George Weasley, respectively. James and Oliver Phelps portrayed the twins in the original eight films.

Fred and George Weasley, stood behind Ron Weasley and Harry Potter

Credit: Warner Bros.

The upcoming releases join an existing collection featuring Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Luna Lovegood, Hagrid, and Dobby. The latter two received their own editions in August 2026. Designed for younger readers, the Pocket Potters series revisits familiar storylines through illustrations, character facts, and hidden details.

Neither release represents a new installment in J.K. Rowling’s original seven-book series. However, the Broadway and West End show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (which is not penned by Rowling herself) is considered the eighth entry in the franchise, following Harry’s son, Albus Severus Potter, and Draco Malfoy’s son, Scorpius, as they embark on a time-travel adventure that threatens to change the wizarding world’s history.

harry potter hbo cast

Credit: HBO

J.K. Rowling has repeatedly suggested that another Harry Potter novel is unlikely. In a 2012 interview with Australia’s ABC, she said she had wrapped up Harry’s story but wouldn’t rule out exploring the wizarding world again. “If I had a fabulous idea that came out of that world, because I loved writing it, I’d do it,” she explained (via BBC).

Rowling has maintained that position on her official website. Asked whether she would write books about the Marauders or Hogwarts’ founders, she has said (via The Guardian) she “always [refuses] to say ‘never’.” However, the site’s FAQ states there will be no further Harry Potter books, and no new novel has been announced.

Do you think JK Rowling should write another Harry Potter book?

About Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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