FIRST LOOK
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No amount of magic can convince these directors to disregard the sociopolitical convictions of J.K. Rowling, the prolific fantasy writer behind “Harry Potter.”
–Ally Pankiw, a writer and director well known for her work on Netflix’s “Black Mirror” series, turned down an opportunity to direct HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series. The reason, as Pankiw stated in the comments section of her Instagram post depicting her text exchange with her agent, is that “it simply is this easy to say ‘no’ to transphobia.”
–Kate Herron, who directed episodes of “Doctor Who” and “Loki,” wrote in the comments section of Pankiw’s post that she also passed on leading HBO’s new TV series twice, for similar reasons.
-For context: In recent years, Rowling has made anti-trans statements online, publicly opposed trans-inclusive legislation in the UK, questioned the gender of Olympic boxer Imane Khelif and established a legal fund for cis women who file lawsuits related to sharing spaces with trans women.
-Rowling’s actions have led to criticism from members of the “Harry Potter” fandom, as well as actors from both the previous film franchise and the new TV adaptation. Most recently, Bel Powley (“The Morning Show”) expressed strong disagreement with J.K. Rowling’s “view on gender.” Powley, however, still accepted a job as Aunt Petunia in the new series.
–The Takeaway: Backlash against Rowling has dominated headlines, but hasn’t yet led to any financial consequences for her or Warner Bros. – as an example, see the controversy over the recent “Hogwarts Legacy” video game, which still sold well despite a public boycott. How the TV series will fare remains to be seen, but in the meantime, it doesn’t seem like the conflict is going away anytime soon.
(Source: Cynopsis)
HBO announced that “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,” the multiverse-hopping spinoff from “The Big Bang Theory” franchise, will return to HBO Max for a second season. The first season, which stars Kevin Sussman as Stuart, was the streaming service’s second-biggest comedy launch ever.
(Source: Cynopsis)
Shantay, you stay. “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All-Stars” and both versions of the “Untucked” companion show will return for another season on MTV and Paramount+, respectively. The OG competition is officially in its 19th season, while “All-Stars” is in its 12th.
(Source: Cynopsis)
No no, Power Rangers! Disney+ will not be moving forward with plans to produce a new live-action “Power Rangers” series. “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” showrunners Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz were attached to develop the series for Disney+ and 20th Television as recently as March, but Deadline’s sources indicate that the project is now dead due to budget concerns.
(Source: Cynopsis)
Greta Lee’s series adaptation of Cathy Park Hong’s memoir, “Minor Feelings,” is no longer happening either, the “Late Fame” actor admitted on the Talk Easy podcast with Sam Fragoso earlier this week. The show was announced back in 2021 when A24 acquired the project.
(Source: Cynopsis)
Netflix continues its focus on YA series. The streamer just greenlit “Sid & Zoey” from co-showrunners Jon Kasdan (“Willow”) and John Shiban (“Ozark”), about two teens who get caught up in a supernatural mystery plaguing their Mississippi town. Blumhouse Atomic Monster and Bad Robot will also executive produce the series.
(Source: Cynopsis)
But wait, there’s more! Netflix also picked up “Sunshine Girls,” another YA series by YouTube production company Brat TV. The series features Alma Marian, Isabella Fowler (both of whom have performed in “Dhar Mann” videos) and Erin Rose Park, and will premiere this December.
(Source: Cynopsis)
Executive producer Will Graham and actor Riley Keough, both Emmy-nominated for “Daisy Jones & The Six,” are teaming up again for another series that’s been picked up by HBO. Called “Advantage Player,” the show is inspired by the life of professional gambler Gina Fiore.
(Source: Cynopsis)
Between them, ABC and NBC are adding 11 more NBA games to their schedules this upcoming season. The addition represents 33 more hours of broadcast airtime going to the sport – which, as The Hollywood Reporter points out, likely means fewer scripted shows on television as a result.
(Source: Cynopsis)
Paramount’s internal data suggests that the Aug. 2 season premiere of “Lioness” reached 7.1 million viewers in its first seven days of streaming on Paramount+. Early data from Nielsen also suggests it was the most-watched streaming original series in the US that week.
(Source: Cynopsis)
POWERBALL
Today’s Jackpot is $35 million.
(One ticket costs $2.00)
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WEEKEND BOX OFFICE
Spider-Man: Brand New Day – $70 million
The Odyssey – $23.2 million
The End of Oak Street – $21 million
PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie – $20.5 million
Katseye: Wild Hearts – $4 million
(Source: Box Office Mojo)
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