J. K. Rowling, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • London
  • Last updated on

‘Harry Potter’ author among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
J. K. Rowling »
See more news, pictures and video.

According to a top source, the author of Harry Potter J. K. Rowling is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the author's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 01/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Rowling for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 60-year-old author, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Rowling so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the author have already been named ‘Briton Of The Year’ by some major British newspapers and even ‘Yate Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Yate (J. K. Rowling's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the author was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“#RowlingPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 31 Dec 2025
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveJ. K.”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 31 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not J. K. Rowling?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 31 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of J. K. Rowling?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

J. K. Rowling: Recent News

 

page served in 0.044s (1,2)