A chasm appeared between several Harry Potter cast members and author J.K. Rowling when the latter opened up about her views on gender.
Her outspoken views, which critics described as ‘anti-trans’, purportedly forced various actors from the franchise, even the famous trio, to speak out.
Now, Bel Powley, who portrays Petunia Dursley, is the latest actor publicly “disagreeing” with the British author.
In an interview with The Telegraph, she openly said, “I strongly disagree with J.K. Rowling’s views on gender. I think that the trans community deserves safety and dignity and respect and total acceptance.”
Despite taking a different take on the hot-button issue of gender, Powley made it clear she has been an avid fan of the wizarding world which Rowling created.
“But I love ‘Harry Potter.’ I grew up with the books. I am from that first generation of readers and, again, I love magic and spookiness.”
Given Rowling is serving as executive producer on the upcoming Harry Potter series, cast members have usually been faced with questions by the press over the author’s gender views.
John Lithgow, who is playing Dumbledore, also was asked the same.
“The reasons to do it were much, much stronger than the reasons to protest against what Rowling has done and said,” he previously told The New Yorker Radio Hour.
“I do disagree with much of it; much of it I think has been twisted and misrepresented, and she has doubled down on it at her own cost.”
Regardless of the row over Rowling’s views on gender, Harry Potter’s forthcoming series is one of the most highly anticipated series on HBO, set to air in 2026.
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