BBC to examine ‘towering figure of British literature’ and ‘polarizing public figure’ J.K. Rowling in new 2-part documentary

Per Deadline, the BBC has commissioned Rogan Productions to produce the two-part documentary, which currently has the working title “J.K. Rowling.” Radio Times reported that the first episode will dive into her work as an author, while the second episode will explore her work in recent years.

A synopsis stated that episode one “charts Rowling’s path from a bookish childhood and time spent writing in Edinburgh cafés to unprecedented literary success,” and will look at how her series turned into an international best-selling franchise.

The second episode will follow the author “as she steps out from behind her creation and becomes an increasingly powerful political voice.” This includes her interventions on Scottish independence, and her comments online regarding feminism, gender identity, and free speech.

Simon Young, the BBC's head of commissioning for History, said, "Thirty years after the publication of the first Harry Potter book, there feels like no better time for the BBC to explore one of the towering figures of British literature.”

"No cultural history of Britain in the 21st century would be complete without the story of the boy wizard that JK Rowling created, the publishing and film-making phenomenon that she spawned, or the polarising public figure she has become,” he added.

The documentary is set to premiere on the BBC in 2027, meaning it will air after HBO premieres its Harry Potter series in December.

Rowling has been criticized for her support of women’s rights and how sex is a biological reality, causing Harry Potter stars both from the past films and forthcoming series to come out against her.