The Matrix Creator Officially Calls Out Harry Potter Fans Ahead of HBO Release

The HBO original Harry Potter series is all set for its Christmas 2026 premiere. Ahead of the much-anticipated release, Lilly Wachowski, who co-directed the cult classic The Matrix, spoke out against supporting the J.K. Rowling’s franchise.

Her comments stemmed from Rowling’s views on transgender issues. Wachowski argued that any financial support generated through watching Harry Potter benefits the author, whom she accused of supporting trans genocide. In a recent Variety interview, The Matrix creator took a jab at Rowling and Elon Musk in one sentence. She said, “I mean…these people are Nazis. They’re literal Nazis.”

Lilly Wachowski Accuses Harry Potter Fans of Funding Trans Genocide

Harry Potter Series | Credit: HBO

Wachowski was straightforward about her views on the Harry Potter debate. “She is funding trans genocide. J.K. Rowling funds trans genocide, full stop,” she said in the aforementioned Variety interview. The filmmaker noted,

So, if you support ‘Harry Potter,’ you’re supporting trans genocide.

Lilly Wachowski, formerly known as Andy Wachowski, came out as a transgender woman in 2016. In the interview, she alleged, “The money that goes into you enjoying these products, a portion of that money goes to J.K. Rowling and that money goes into her funding anti-trans legislation all over the world.“

She called for boycotting Harry Potter, the way many people avoid Tesla or any other Elon Musk products out of climate concerns. “It’s simple math,” Wachowski concluded, before adding, “So, your enjoyment of these shows, and continued support of these shows, is supporting my eradication.”

Following Wachowski’s comments, Neil Blair, who represents the Harry Potter author, issued a response. Blair told Entertainment Weekly,

To correct Lilly Wachowski, through The J.K. Rowling Women’s Fund, J.K. Rowling supports women taking legal action in the UK to preserve their existing rights under the Equality Act 2010, which are often overlooked or threatened. She does not support legal actions aimed at harming transgender people or efforts to limit trans rights.

Marvel and Black Mirror Directors Previously Rejected HBO’s Harry Potter

Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter | Credit: HBO

According to TheWrap, Ally Pankiw, known for Black Mirror, was initially approached to direct the HBO Harry Potter series. She shared a screenshot of her conversation with her agent. “I have an instinct on the answer but I feel compelled to ask. ‘Harry Potter’? Hard no?” her agent wrote. Pankiw wrote back, “Absolutely f—king not! lol (But thank you for asking).” She later added in her Instagram post, “It simply is this easy to say no to funding transphobia!“

Kate Herron, who helmed the first season of Marvel’s Loki, was also approached for the same. In the comment section of Pankiw’s post, she wrote, “Yeah thank you exactly! Respect and love to you Ally. They’ve asked me twice and I’ve had to explain my answer is never gonna change from a no.“

HBO has confirmed that Mark Mylod is currently helming multiple episodes of the Harry Potter series. He is best known for directing episodes of Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, and Succession.