When a studio launches a television version of a story this familiar, public appearances can carry extra weight. Fans may want to see the faces behind the characters, and a big event can generate buzz. So when the three young leads of HBO's Harry Potter series won't be at a headline event, people notice.
That's the situation on Oxford Street, where a Christmas lights switch-on built around the new series will go ahead without them. HBO has given one reason, a newspaper's insiders have pointed to another, and a petition adds a third layer. We've attributed every claim to the person or outlet that made it, and we've kept the competing explanations separate. This story touches on an ongoing public debate, so we're being careful with wording.
Quick Reference
- Event: Oxford Street Christmas lights switch-on, from 4.30pm on Monday, November 9
- Who won't take part: The young stars of HBO's Harry Potter series, per HBO
- HBO's stated reason: Busy schedules, plus production and education commitments
- Another claim: The Sun's insiders cite safety concerns
- Store opening: The Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street, November 4
What HBO Said
HBO confirmed that the young stars will not take part. Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton play Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, respectively.
A spokesperson said in a statement: “We're excited to bring the magic of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to Oxford Street, and screens, this Christmas.”
The statement went on: “With production of our second season already under way, we are mindful of our young actors' busy schedules and are judicious when it comes to asks of their time on top of their production and education commitments. We have therefore decided not to involve our young actors in the official switch-on event for the Oxford Street Christmas lights.”
What the Event Involves
The central London thoroughfare is receiving a makeover in partnership with the new series, and the switch-on starts at 4.30pm on Monday, November 9. A flagship Harry Potter store is opening on the street this week.
The Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street opens on November 4 and has been billed as the UK's largest official Harry Potter flagship store.
How the Partnership Was Pitched
HBO Max and the New West End Company previously announced a partnership that would “bring the magic of Harry Potter to Oxford Street this Christmas.” They called it a “festive celebration of one of the world's most beloved stories, bringing a host of Harry Potter-inspired celebrations and attractions to shoppers, commuters, international visitors and fans throughout the festive season.”
It's timed to the Christmas launch of the new series, which begins with the eight-episode season of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and to the store's opening.
The Sun's Insiders
The decision comes amid reported fears of protests over J.K. Rowling's views on trans rights, which have been the subject of controversy. Citing insiders, The Sun reported on Sunday that HBO Max bosses met with the Metropolitan Police about concerns over public disorder linked to trans-rights groups.
An insider told the paper: “It was all looking really exciting but sadly there are concerns about their safety. With the police and stakeholders, it was decided the child actors won't appear.” The insider added: “No one wants to risk their safety if protests go ahead.”
Those are unnamed insiders' claims as reported by The Sun. HBO's statement doesn't mention protests or safety.
A Petition Lands at City Hall
More than 10,000 people have signed a petition sent to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, asking him to “pull the plug on transphobia” and cancel the themed lights. The not-for-profit campaign organisation Good Law Project launched it, and it reads: “Harry Potter lights in one of the busiest streets of London will not make trans people feel Christmassy, welcome, or safe.”
Khan's office said it was not responsible for organising the lights, which are arranged by the New West End Company. A City Hall London spokesman told The Telegraph: “The mayor is clear that he will always support and champion all of London's diverse communities, including trans and non-binary Londoners.”
Weighing the Explanations
HBO points to its young actors' schedules and their production and education commitments. The Sun's insiders point to safety concerns. We're not reconciling the two, and the information we have doesn't say whether they're connected.
The Series Behind the Spectacle
The first season launches this Christmas, adapted from Rowling's first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. It aims to be a faithful adaptation while offering a wider look at the magical wizarding world beyond what the hit film franchise, which ran from 2001 to 2011, depicted.
The cast includes Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape and John Lithgow as Hogwarts headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore.
Questions Without Answers
We don't know whether any protest is planned for November 9 or whether the event's format will change. We don't know what was discussed in any meeting between HBO Max and the Metropolitan Police beyond The Sun's report, and we haven't seen an official response to it. We also don't know whether the young cast will appear at other events.
If You're Heading to Oxford Street
Your Plans?
Were you hoping to see the young cast on Oxford Street? Tell us in the comments what you'd planned, and whether you're counting down to Christmas and the new series. We'll update this as more is confirmed.
