Another "Harry Potter" Star Speaks Out Against J.K. Rowling's Views
Bel Powley has broken her silence on J.K. Rowling's views on gender, becoming the latest member of HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series to publicly separate herself from the author's stance while continuing to work on the franchise.
Powley, who plays Petunia Dursley in the streamer's seven-season adaptation, addressed the topic in an interview with The Telegraph published Monday. "I strongly disagree with J.K. Rowling's views on gender," she said. "I think that the trans community deserve safety and dignity and respect and total acceptance."
The actress went on to describe her personal connection to the source material despite the disagreement, noting that she grew up with the books as part of the first generation of readers and still loves the world's sense of magic.
A Recurring Pattern For The New Cast
Powley is not the first member of the rebooted series to address Rowling's views publicly. John Lithgow, who plays Dumbledore, has said in prior interviews that he considered walking away from the role but ultimately concluded the reasons to stay outweighed the reasons to protest. He has also said he believes some of Rowling's comments have been distorted.
Paapa Essiedu, cast as Severus Snape, signed an open letter last year supporting transgender rights in the U.K. Rowling responded at the time by saying she has no power to remove an actor from the series and would not use it if she did, adding that she does not believe in costing people their jobs over legally protected beliefs that differ from her own.
Rowling, who serves as an executive producer on the series, has for years been at odds publicly with actors connected to the franchise, including original film stars Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint.
Backlash From Both Sides
Powley's comments have drawn criticism from multiple directions online. Some critics argued that speaking out against Rowling while remaining attached to a project she profits from is inconsistent, pointing out that the paycheck for the role still originates from Rowling's work. Others pushed back on the idea that Rowling's positions are about safety at all, arguing that true advocacy for women would not exclude transgender women from that protection.
The exchange echoes criticism previously directed at other cast members and collaborators, including Emma Watson, whom Rowling has publicly clashed with in the past over similar remarks.
The Series Moves Forward
The new adaptation, helmed by Succession director Mark Mylod with Francesca Gardiner serving as showrunner, is set to premiere on HBO Max this Christmas. Each season is expected to adapt one book, beginning with the first novel and continuing through a second season based on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which has already been renewed.
The cast also includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, alongside Nick Frost as Hagrid.
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