J.K. Rowling Criticises Harry Potter Stars, Accuses Them of 'Ruining' the Saga

J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, has been under scrutiny for years due to her views on gender identity and the transgender community, often being labelled as transphobic. The writer faced significant criticism from both fans of her work and some of the actors who brought her characters to the big screen, including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, who starred alongside Rupert Grint in the eight Warner Bros films that adapted the seven books. The hostility between the actors and the novelist seems to be mutual, as reaffirmed by a recent comment from Rowling on social media.

In response to a post on X, formerly Twitter, which posed the provocative question of which actor or actress instantly ruins a film for someone, the author referred not to one, but to "three." "Sorry, but it was irresistible," she added, accompanied by three laughing emojis.

Although Rowling did not explicitly mention the three stars of the Warner Bros film saga in her comment, there is little doubt that she was indeed referring to Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint. Many fans of the franchise have assumed this, with some defending the actors and others agreeing with the author.

"They ruined the films for you, but you ruined everything else for everyone else, at least for those with beating hearts," expressed one user. "I agree with you. As someone who grew up with the series, it has been very disappointing how ungrateful those three have been," read another message.

It is worth recalling that the controversy surrounding Rowling dates back five years, when she criticised an article for using the term "people who menstruate" instead of "women" and later wrote an essay about her experience as a victim of abuse, in which she described transgender identity as "profoundly misogynistic and regressive."

"If sex isn't real, there can't be an attraction between same-sex individuals. If sex isn't real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. Telling the truth isn't hate," Rowling tweeted in June 2020. It wasn't the first time the writer was criticised for her comments on this topic. In December 2019, Rowling supported Maya Forstater, a researcher who was dismissed for stating that transgender women cannot change their biological sex.

In light of her stance and the ensuing debate, Watson made her opposing view clear. "Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned," the actress wrote, while Radcliffe emphasised that "transgender women are women" and "any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people." Similarly, Grint also expressed his support for the trans community.

On the other hand, just a year ago, the author expressed her firm decision not to forgive the actors even if they wished to apologise. "Celebrities who joined a movement that seeks to erode hard-won women's rights and used their platforms to applaud the transition of minors can save their apologies for the traumatised and vulnerable women who rely on single-sex safe spaces," she wrote.

The author is now involved in the production of the Harry Potter series being prepared by HBO, which will be aired on Max, where she serves as an executive producer. "She has been quite involved in the selection process of the screenwriter and director. I imagine she will have opinions on the casting," revealed Casey Bloys, CEO of HBO, last November.