Hasbro CEO Chris Cox appeared on the Decoder podcast and was asked about the company’s recent deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. The deal was billed as a multi-year partnership to bring the world of Harry Potter to life through licensed toys and games as WBD-owned network HBO reboots the series with a new television series. The deal caused some backlash after podcast host Nilay Patel told Cox that “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling “has very loud politics and is alienating a lot of young consumers. Her transphobia is alienating a lot of young consumers.”
“How do you make this decision when the creator of that asset is actively reducing its fan base and hurting many people in that fan base?” So Patel asked.
“For me, it’s about separating the art from the artist and moving towards what the core fans want,” Cox replied. “I’m not going to get into the politics of this other than to say that we’re very strong supporters of diversity and inclusion within Hasbro. We’re proud of that, and we’re proud of the diversity of perspectives and backgrounds in our employee base. ‘Harry Potter’ is a great franchise, and we’ve done a great job bringing joy to the world.”
Hasbro and Warner Bros.’ Discovery deal was announced in February and promoted a new line of Harry Potter “dolls, role-plays, action figures and collectibles, interactive stuffed animals, board games and more” related to HBO’s reboot of the series. The product is expected to be “unveiled later this year.”
“The world of Harry Potter and its unforgettable characters align perfectly with our mission to provide a lifetime of play for generations of fans,” said Tim Kilpin, President of Toys, Games, Licensing and Entertainment at Hasbro. “As long-time fans ourselves, we are honored to partner with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products as Official Global Master Toy Licensees.”
“Our new agreement with Hasbro comes as the Harry Potter universe celebrates the 25th anniversary of the first film and continues to expand its magical legacy with one of the most passionate and enduring fan communities in entertainment history,” added Robert Overschelp, president of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. “Our partnership with Hasbro brings us fresh and innovative toys, collectibles and games inspired by the popular Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies, as well as the new HBO Original TV series.”
HBO’s “Harry Potter” series is scheduled to begin airing in 2027.
