'Harry Potter' New London Store Opening Sparks Protests
The first episode of the series arrives on HBO's catalog on December 25th.
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The opening of the new Harry Potter franchise store in London, England, on Wednesday (4) was met with protests from supporters of transgender rights.
This is because author J.K. Rowling's controversial statements about transgenderism continue to offend the community. This is in addition to her actions, such as financially supporting organizations that oppose the rights of transgender women.
At the store's opening, a group of about 16 people carried megaphones and signs that read "protect trans lives" and "stop funding trans erasure". The peaceful protest was largely ignored by store customers who were in a line that stretched around the block, according to Variety.
See the protest below:
Everything you need to know about Harry Potter
Trans rights protesters gather outside of the new #HarryPotter store in London. A group of around 16 demonstrators assembled outside the shop on Oxford Street, carrying signs reading “protect trans lives” and “stop funding trans erasure.” https://t.co/2yBSfyOstO https://t.co/YXQJgDZQuC
— Variety (@Variety) November 4, 2026
The upcoming HBO Max series is scheduled to premiere at Christmas 2026 with eight episodes in its first season. Filming began last summer, and the production has already confirmed that the story will not be told solely from Harry's point of view.
The confirmed cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
John Lithgow will play Albus Dumbledore. The series will also bring back History of Magic classes with Professor Binns, played by Richard Durden, and will foreshadow the introduction of Lucius Malfoy, who will be played by Johnny Flynn.
The series premieres this Christmas on HBO Max.
