Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks appeared on the “Decoder” podcast and was asked about his company’s recent deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, billed as a multi-year partnership to bring the “Harry Potter” universe to life through licensed toys and games as the WBD-owned network HBO reboots the franchise with a new TV series. The deal was met with some backlash, as podcast host Nilay Patel relayed to Cocks that “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling “has very loud politics that are turning off a lot of younger consumers. Her transphobia is turning off lots of young consumers.”
“How do you make this decision when the creator of the property is actively reducing the fandom and hurting a lot of people in that fandom?” Patel then asked.
“For me, it’s separating the art from the artist and going to what the core fans want,” Cocks responded. “I’m not going to get into the politics around it, other then to say we very strongly support diversity and inclusion inside of Hasbro. We are proud it and proud of the diversity of viewpoints and backgrounds we have in our employee base. ‘Harry Potter’ is a wonderful franchise. It’s done a great job of bringing joy to the world.”
The Hasbro-Warner Bros. Discovery deal was announced in February and touted a new line of “Harry Potter” franchise “dolls, role play, action figures and collectibles, interactive plush, board games and more” tied to HBO’s series reboot. The products will be “revealed later this year.”
“The world of Harry Potter and its unforgettable characters align perfectly with our mission to deliver a lifetime of play to generations of fans,” said Tim Kilpin, President of Toys, Games, Licensing and Entertainment at Hasbro. “As longtime fans ourselves, we’re honored to partner with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products as the official global master toy licensee.”
“Our new agreement with Hasbro arrives as the world of Harry Potter celebrates the 25th anniversary of the first film and continues to expand its magical legacy—powered by one of the most passionate and enduring fan communities in entertainment history,” added Robert Oberschelp, President of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. “Our partnership with Hasbro will deliver fresh, innovative toys, collectibles and games inspired by the beloved Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films and the new HBO Original TV series.”
HBO’s “Harry Potter” series will debut in 2027.
Source: variety.com
