Miriam Margolyes has joined a growing chorus of formerHarry Potterstars and Hollywood actors that have spoken out againstJ.K. Rowling’s anti-transgender rhetoric. The actress, who portrayed Professor Pomona Sprout in two of the blockbuster film adaptations, shared her stance on the controversial author on a recent episode of the A Gay Old Time podcast. She made it clear that she doesn’t agree with Rowling’s opinions (which she deems “too harsh”), but also encouraged a “gentler” approach from those on both sides of the debate.
“I don’t agree with her about the trans issue – I think her opinion is too harsh,” Margolyes said of Rowling. However, she also expressed her disapproval of the reaction from those that do not align with her beliefs. “It’s not good to be so furious. We should be gentler with each other. We’re all oppressed by sections of the community. Let’s just be kinder,” she asserted, before adding a final note on the matter, emphasizing her support for the transgender community:
“I really just feel supportive about this tiny group of people who are trans, and if they want me to use pronouns, I think it’s the right thing to do. If you can make people happy, do it.”
Hate on J.K. Rowling All You Like – Just Leave the New ‘Harry Potter’ Kids Out of It
The young stars of the new ‘Harry Potter’ show are just doing their job. More importantly: They’re just kids.
Margolyes is no stranger to controversy herself. She previously enraged adultHarry Potterfans by suggesting that the wizarding franchise is exclusively for children, and that anyone who has advanced beyond that stage of life “should be over that by now.” Rather than retracting her comments amid a barrage of backlash, the wonderfully outspoken actressdoubled down on her frank assessmentof the fanbase. She acknowledged that it is “a great series” and “a wonderful set of films,” but that those of a certain age need to “grow up!”
HBO Boss Behind ‘Harry Potter’ Reboot Has Defended J.K. Rowling Collaboration
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have previously joined several otherHarry Potteralums and regular muggle celebrities in denouncing Rowling’s transphobic views and distancing themselves from the author, while others —including Draco Malfoy actor Tom Felton— have remained neutral on the subject, refusing to give an opinion one way or another. The conversation has intensified during the development (and now production) of HBO’sHarry Potterreboot, which has been mired in controversy ever since it was announced.
HBO’s chief content officer, Casey Bloys, addressed Rowling’s involvement with theHarry Potterseries in May, the same month that the newHarry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley actorswere announced. He attempted to reassure fans that the project would not be influenced by Rowling’s personal views despite her serving as an executive producer on the reboot and also defended the collaboration, saying, “The decision to be in business with J.K. Rowling is not new for us. We’ve been in business for 25 years.” He continued:
“We already have a show on HBO from her calledC.B. Strikethat we do with the BBC. It’s pretty clear that those are her personal, political views. She’s entitled to them. Harry Potter is not secretly being infused with anything. And if you want to debate her, you can go on Twitter.”
The new take on the magical franchise is written and executive produced bySuccessionalum Francesca Gardiner. She is teaming back up with Mark Mylod,who is serving as an executive producer on the show and will be directing multiple episodes for HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. The series adaptation ofHarry Potteris expected to run for at least a decade, with each season adapting one of Rowling’s seven books. The first episode is expected to debut on HBO and HBO Max sometime in 2027.
Source:A Gay Old Time Podcast(viaDeadline)
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