How JK Rowling got her 'ultimate revenge' on Harry Potter stars after bitter war-of-words, insiders tell GRANT TUCKER | Daily Mail Online

Original Harry Potter Stars Left Out

The upcoming HBO adaptation of the Harry Potter novels has cast new actors in the lead roles, without informing the original stars, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. This decision has left the original cast feeling sidelined and disheartened, especially as their careers were launched by the series.

J.K. Rowling's Role

J.K. Rowling, the author, is serving as an executive producer on the series and has had significant input. Some believe this is an attempt to reclaim the franchise after public disagreements with the original stars over her views on transgender issues.

Cast Controversy

The new cast includes some actors whose casting choices have been met with controversy from fans, especially the casting of John Lithgow as Dumbledore and Paapa Essiedu as Snape.

The Stars' Reactions

• Daniel Radcliffe has publicly supported transgender rights and has confirmed that he and Rowling no longer speak.
• Emma Watson has also publicly supported transgender rights.
• Rupert Grint, while initially supportive of transgender rights, later expressed gratitude towards Rowling, comparing her to his aunt.

The original cast's exclusion from the new series highlights the complex relationship between the actors, author, and the franchise's legacy.