n a surprising turn of events, filmmaker James Gunn has openly criticized director Mark Mylod over alleged creative decisions tied to the upcoming Harry Potter reboot series. Gunn, known for his work on Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, expressed strong disapproval regarding what he views as a disregard for source material — particularly when it comes to character integrity and casting choices.
According to sources, the controversy ignited over rumored casting decisions surrounding the character of Severus Snape. In a now-viral quote circulating across social media, Gunn allegedly said: “Let’s remove that guy whose skin color is not suitable for Severus Snape from Harry Potter.” While the quote has not been officially confirmed, the sentiment behind it — preserving the essence of characters as originally written — has been a key point of contention among fans and creators alike.
Gunn reportedly criticized Mark Mylod for not “respecting the book,” referring to the original Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling. He labeled such decisions as “an insult to the film industry,” arguing that faithfulness to the source material is not only a matter of fan service but also of artistic integrity.
Mark Mylod, known for his Emmy-winning work on Succession, has taken the creative reins for HBO’s much-anticipated Harry Potter reboot. However, this vision reportedly includes bold reinterpretations of beloved characters, something that has drawn both praise and backlash from across the internet.
While many fans are supportive of more inclusive casting in modern adaptations, others side with Gunn, arguing that core characters should remain visually and thematically consistent with the books — especially in such a culturally iconic series.
As of now, neither HBO nor Mylod has publicly responded to Gunn’s comments. However, the controversy has reignited a broader debate within the film and TV industry: How far can — or should — adaptations deviate from their original source material?
What remains clear is that James Gunn’s statement has further polarized an already passionate fan base. Whether or not the reboot proceeds with its rumored casting choices, the conversation surrounding creative freedom, representation, and respect for literary origins continues to gain traction.
