J.K. Rowling praises the HBO series scripts and reveals close work with the writers

In June 2025, J.K. Rowling did something that fans most concerned about the series’ quality had been waiting for: she spoke publicly about the scripts.

And the verdict was positive.

The author revealed on social media that she had “worked closely” with the writing team throughout the process, but that she will not receive a writing credit. It’s an important distinction: Rowling is present, she’s influencing the work, but the creative leadership rests with Francesca Gardiner and her team.

What this means in practice

For those following the production since the announcement, this is genuinely good news. It means the scripts have passed through the filter of the Wizarding World’s own creator, with an active voice, without requiring her to carry the burden of being the official screenwriter for each episode.

Rowling also confirmed something about the production’s pace: by November 2025, scripts for the second season had already begun to be written. That signals solid long-term planning, and confidence that the first season is going to work.

The writing team alongside Gardiner includes Andy Greenwald, Bijan Sheibani, Josephine Gardiner, Laura Neal, Martha Hillier, Ripley Parker, Sam Holcroft and Ted Cohen.

Rowling’s involvement, active but not dominant, is exactly the balance this production needed. The books are hers. But the series needs to be its own television work, not a dramatised reading. It sounds like they’re getting that balance right.

This post is also available in: