Canadian filmmaker Ally Pankiw recently revealed that she declined an offer to direct an upcoming TV series based on the beloved “Harry Potter” franchise, citing her stance against supporting transphobia.

Pankiw took to Instagram to share a screenshot of a text exchange where she adamantly refused the directing opportunity on the HBO adaptation of “Harry Potter.” Emphasizing her decision, she stated, “It simply is this easy to say no to funding transphobia!” Pankiw clarified that her refusal pertained to directing and not acting.

Known for her work on projects like “Black Mirror,” “Feel Good,” and the film “I Used to be Funny,” Pankiw, aged 39, has made a name for herself in the industry.

The upcoming series, titled “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” is scheduled for release on HBO Max on December 25, 2026, with streaming available on Crave in Canada. This adaptation is based on J.K. Rowling’s iconic fantasy book series, which has faced controversy due to the author’s views on transgender issues.

Notably, Pankiw is not alone in her decision, as director and writer Kate Herron also shared her experience of turning down offers to work on the same series. Herron, recognized for her work on “Loki” and other popular shows, expressed solidarity with Pankiw’s stance in declining the opportunity.

While Rowling’s opinions have sparked debates within the “Harry Potter” community, representatives for Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of HBO, have yet to address inquiries regarding the impact of these refusals on the show’s production. Additionally, there has been no response from Pankiw’s representative regarding further details on the text exchange.