Despite being one of the highest-grossing and most popular media franchises in the world, the Harry Potter series is one that’s been shrouded in controversy in recent years as a result of views shared by author J.K. Rowling regarding the trans community.
In case you were unaware, Rowling continues to face criticism for making harmful remarks about trans people. In 2020, she published an essay titled J.K. Rowling Writes about Her Reasons for Speaking out on Sex and Gender Issues, in which she expressed her concerns that trans activism could in some way harm cisgender women’s rights. In the years since, as well as some former fans boycotting new releases related to the franchise (like Hogwarts Legacy and the upcoming TV reboot), many Harry Potter stars have been distancing themselves from J.K. Rowling and standing up in defence of trans rights.
A new Harry Potter TV reboot, which will feature a brand new cast, was recently announced - take a look at the teaser trailer below.
However, as UNILAD reports, some are still on Rowling’s side, including Jim Broadbent - the English actor who played Professor Horace Slughorn in the Harry Potter movies. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, he was asked for his thoughts on the Wizarding World franchise becoming the centre of such widespread controversy.
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“It’s really sad,” he said. “I think J.K. Rowling is amazing. I haven’t had to confront it myself, but I would support her in that, I think, if it came to it.”
Many fans are disappointed by Broadbent’s stance: “Disappointing. He was an actor I liked, right up until now. Ironic that a lot of his roles have been ones related to kindness, love, justice,” one Twitter user wrote. “This has made me so sad. I really loved Jim Broadbent in so many roles,” tweeted another. “Well I’m not going to be watching any more movies featuring Jim Broadbent,” another added.
Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros. PicturesTopics: Harry Potter, TV And Film, Warner Bros