Max has disabled comments on their latest Harry Potter casting post, and I think it's for the best 

Harry Potter is back, and this time, he’s coming to the small screen. On May 23, 2025, HBO officially revealed the casting for the main trio for its upcoming reboot of the Wizarding World, and the internet exploded with reactions. But not all of them were positive.

In fact, things got so intense that HBO’s official Instagram account disabled the comments on the casting post shortly after it went live. And honestly? I think that was the smartest thing they could’ve done.

Let’s talk about why.

When HBO dropped the announcement about the actors playing Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the upcoming Harry Potter series (expected to debut in 2026 on Max), fans worldwide had one question: Who are these kids?

We don’t have many details yet about their past work, but one thing is clear: they’re young, talented, and ready to step into some of the most iconic roles in TV history. But instead of celebrating these new faces, social media did what it does best: judge, criticize, and speculate. That’s exactly why HBO decided to disable the comments. And honestly, I get it.

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Why HBO turning off comments for the Harry Potter cast was a brilliant move

Let’s be real, social media is brutal. Even adults struggle with the kind of hate that pours into comment sections. Imagine being 11 or 12 years old and reading strangers attacking your appearance, background, or talent. That’s not just harmful, it’s dangerous.

Turning off the comments shields these young actors from unnecessary negativity and helps them focus on what really matters: doing their best in the roles of a lifetime.

Think back to Kelly Marie Tran from Star Wars: The Last Jedi or Millie Bobby Brown from Stranger Things—both were heavily bullied online after gaining fame. It affected their mental health deeply. HBO doesn’t want a repeat of that for the new cast of Harry Potter. By removing the option for fans to spew unfiltered opinions, they’re choosing safety over spectacle. And that’s refreshing.

These aren't just any roles— they are Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. These are names loved by millions across generations. That’s a lot of pressure to handle already. Imagine carrying that AND reading 100,000 “you’re not good enough” comments. No child deserves that, no matter how iconic the role.

At first, fans scrambled to drop their opinions. Some were thrilled, others not so much. Then, boom, comments off. HBO clearly knew what was coming: trolls, racists, gatekeepers, and keyboard warriors. By shutting that door, they avoided a PR nightmare and protected three kids from a storm of unnecessary hate.

Social media wasn’t made for child actors. Every move, smile, or hairstyle gets dissected. And if you’re playing a character as iconic as Hermione or Harry of Harry Potter? Multiply that pressure by a thousand.

Remember when Jacob Tremblay was mocked for his voice during Luca promotions? Or when Sadie Sink from Stranger Things faced ageist remarks? This isn’t new. It’s toxic. Turning off comments doesn’t just protect the actors, it preserves their innocence.

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JK Rowling: Executive producer and still in the game

Contrary to internet gossip, Rowling is not suing HBO. She’s actually involved as an executive producer of the series. This means that she has a say in the creative direction, but she’s not the one running the show daily. And whether you agree with her personal views or not, she’s the reason this world exists in the first place.

Rowling has become a polarizing figure in recent years due to her controversial comments on gender and transgender rights. But HBO has chosen to separate the creator from the content and is aiming to focus on telling the story fans fell in love with, while acknowledging that Rowling’s personal beliefs are separate from the show’s narrative.

One major shift in this reboot is the commitment to diversity. Unlike the original films, which were very UK-centric, HBO is casting globally and more inclusively. Hermione might not look like Emma Watson anymore, and that’s okay. It’s about spirit, not skin color. The books were written in the 90s. The world has moved on, and so should the casting choices.

Some fans are cheering this change in Harry Potter. Others are skeptical. But let’s not forget: Rowling herself supported Black Hermione in The Cursed Child. So maybe we can all just chill and let the show speak for itself.

Warner Bros. is sparing no expense. They’re building a £1 billion studio town for Harry Potter just outside London. It includes:

• Roads
• Giant soundstages
• A medical center
• A school for young actors
• Animal care facilities (yes, there will be owls!)

This place isn’t just a set, it’s a living, breathing, magical campus.

The young cast is expected to film for nearly a decade for Harry Potter. That means growing up together, learning together, and forming real friendships, just like the original trio. It's like a real-life Hogwarts, only with cameras everywhere.

Look, I get it. We're emotionally attached to Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. They’ll always be our trio. But magic evolves. This is a chance for a new generation to fall in love with Hogwarts all over again. Let’s not ruin that with petty comments or knee-jerk judgments.

As a lifelong Potterhead, I’m excited and cautious. But mostly, I’m hopeful. Turning off the comments was the right call. These young actors deserve space, grace, and support. Let them grow into the roles. Who knows? They might just surprise us all.

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