Harry Potter is one of the most beloved stories in the entertainment industry, however over recent years it’s also become one of the most controversial due to author J.K. Rowling’s public stance on the trans community.
Rowling first went public with her views in 2020, sharing that she personally believes transgender women are men, and transgender men are women.
Over the past five years the author has continued to publicly post about her controversial views, with many fans now choosing to boycott the series.
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Stars of the original Harry Potter films including leads Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint have publicly denounced Rowling’s views, saying they want no part and are in opposition to the transphobic opinions.
However, the controversy hasn’t done much damage in terms of Rowling’s career, with her now signed on as an executive producer for an upcoming TV series based on the books, as well as the novels also now being turned into a new audio series.
The cast of both the Harry Potter TV and audio series have come under fire for their association with the controversial author, and several have since spoken out on the issue.
Keep reading to see all the stars who have broken their silence on the topic and what they had to say about it.
Michelle Gomez
With the news of a new audio series from Pottermore Publishing and Audible comes a new slew of cast members under fire for their association with the controversial author.
Michelle Gomez was announced earlier this week as the voice of Professor Minerva McGonagall, and has since taken to her Instagram to get ahead of the backlash.
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“I want to speak directly to the concerns that have been raised about my involvement in this project,” she wrote on her Instagram story.
“I hear you, and I understand why this is painful for many. I want to be clear that I stand with trans people, and I support trans rights – fully and without hesitation.”
Gomez added she accepted the role as “someone who has always loved the stories and what they mean to so many”.
”I now understand more clearly how deeply complicated and hurtful this association can feel, and I take that seriously,” she continued.
“Being an ally means listening even when it’s uncomfortable and taking accountability where it’s needed. I’m committed to doing both.”
John Lithgow
John Lithgow has been cast in the upcoming TV series as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, and told The Times he was shocked by the backlash he received.
“I thought, ‘Why is this a factor at all?'” Lithgow said of Rowling’s controversial views.
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“I wonder how J.K. Rowling has absorbed it. I suppose at a certain point I’ll meet her, and I’m curious to talk to her.”
When asked if the backlash had made him reconsider taking on the role, Lithgow responded, “Oh, heavens no.”
All the stars cast in the upcoming new Harry Potter series
Nick Frost
Shaun of the Dead star Nick Frost is set to take on the role of Hagrid in the upcoming series, and he has made his stance on Rowling clear from the beginning.
Frost announced the news of his casting in an Instagram post, later telling The Observer that he had to disable comments because of the backlash.
“She’s allowed her opinion and I’m allowed mine, they just don’t align in any way, shape or form,” Frost clearly stated.
When asked if he thinks the backlash will overshadow the series, Frost said he wasn’t sure.
“But maybe it shouldn’t blow over?” he added.
“We shouldn’t just hope it will go away, because it makes it easier. Maybe we should educate ourselves.”
Katherine Parkinson
Katherine Parkinson, who will appear in the series as Molly Weasley, has decided to stay neutral on the topic.
“I don’t want to add to that debate at all,” she said when asked about her views by RadioTimes.com.
“I’m just delighted to be joining the magical world of Harry Potter.”
Paapa Essiedu
While Paapa Essiedu – who has been cast as Severus Snape in the TV series – hasn’t directly commented on the debate, he is one of over 400 actors to sign a petition calling for the protection of the trans community in the entertainment industry.
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The move sparked an online debate around whether or not Rowling would choose to fire Essiedu and recast the role, which she responded to with a post on social media.
”I don’t have the power to sack an actor from the series, and I wouldn’t exercise it if I did,” Rowling posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“I don’t believe in taking away people’s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine.”
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