A new rumor has surfaced that Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe are skeptical to reprise their roles in the Wizarding World for Harry Potter 9 and an adaptation of The Cursed Child. Warner Bros. has been attempting to revive the Wizarding World for several years, but recent controversy surrounding JK Rowling has caused difficulties in getting key actors back for a revival.

Background On Revival Attempts

Warner Bros. has already created three movies in its Fantastic Beasts prequel series, but with no fourth installment planned, there has been talk of a full-on reboot in the works for HBO as a seven-season show with brand-new actors taking on the magical roles. However, prior to this, there was talk of a Harry Potter 9 to adapt The Cursed Child stage play, which takes place 19 years after the story left off in The Deathly Hallows.

Emma Watson’s Skepticism

Insider Jeff Sneider recently spoke on The Hot Mic podcast and corroborated reports of adapting The Cursed Child for a ninth movie at Warner Bros. However, there were apparently issues in getting some of the key actors back for the revival, including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. Watson supposedly had been particularly skeptical about returning to her role in the Wizarding World due to recent controversy involving Rowling’s transphobic comments.

Rowling’s Controversy

Watson and Rowling have previously seen a public divide over their opposing transgender views. The Hermione Granger actress was asked in a 2019 Vogue interview whether she would be comfortable sharing a bathroom with a trans woman, to which she exclaimed “Of course.” This comes in stark contrast to Rowling’s own views which she shared in an essay on her own website where she seemed to oppose the notion. Due to these controversial views, Warner Bros. reportedly tried to “buy J.K. Rowling out” of the franchise but she requested an “insane amount.” This led to the realization any continuation of the series would have to involve the controversial creator, thereby forcing the reboot if key actors wouldn’t be willing to work with her.

Potential For A Reboot

With essential members of the original cast seemingly unlikely to return, a ninth installment in the Harry Potter adaptation may never happen. However, Warner Bros. obviously won’t want to abandon a profitable franchise just because they have to work around a controversial figure who may deter some actors and creatives. If Warner Bros. wants Harry Potter and co. back on screens, they will seemingly have no options but to produce a fresh reboot. HBO’s Harry Potter reboot has yet to be officially announced or acknowledged by Warner Bros. at this time.