This week, Tom Felton, best known for playing Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, surprised many by publicly backing JK Rowling, the franchise’s creator, during the heated controversy over her views on gender identity.
Felton, now 37, remains loyal to the author who helped launch his career more than two decades ago.
Reflecting on the Impact of Harry Potter Around the World
Speaking from New York, where he’s currently involved with the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Felton emphasized how the Harry Potter series has united fans worldwide.
He said, “I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world.
I have not seen anything bring people together more than Potter, and that’s thanks to JK Rowling. I’m incredibly grateful for that.”
Despite the ongoing debates, he shared that the controversy hasn’t affected his work or view of the franchise.
Contrasting Reactions from Fellow Cast Members
Felton’s stance sharply contrasts with some of his former co-stars, who have been much more critical of Rowling in recent years.
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, has openly distanced himself from Rowling after disagreements over her statements on transgender rights.
Radcliffe wrote a heartfelt piece supporting transgender people and expressed sadness that he and Rowling no longer speak.
Emma Watson and Rupert Grint Voice Their Support for Trans Rights
Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, the other two leads who played Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, have also shown strong support for the trans community.
Watson tweeted affirming that trans people are who they say they are and deserve respect.
She even wore a “Trans rights are human rights” T-shirt and made a subtle nod to the controversy at the 2022 BAFTAs.
Grint, meanwhile, referred to Rowling as “auntie” but admitted he doesn’t agree with all her views, calling it a “tricky” situation.
Other Cast Members Join the Conversation
Several other Harry Potter actors have spoken out as well.
Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, tweeted her support for trans women, while Katie Leung (Cho Chang) shared resources for trans people of color and clarified she respects everyone’s right to live authentically.
Leung also said it’s not hateful to acknowledge her experience of womanhood, highlighting the nuance many actors feel in this debate.
JK Rowling’s Firm Response and Unforgiving Stance
Rowling herself has remained defiant, saying she will never forgive the cast members who have criticized her stance.
In a recent tweet, she accused those supporting gender identity movements of undermining women’s rights and urged them to consider apologizing to women affected by these issues.
Generational Divide Among the Harry Potter Cast
Interestingly, the backlash against Rowling has mostly come from the younger generation of actors.
Meanwhile, older stars like Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort) and the late Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) have defended Rowling’s right to her opinions.
Fiennes expressed shock at the volume of hate aimed at her and called the verbal abuse “disgusting.”
Coltrane, before his passing, criticized Rowling’s detractors as overly sensitive.
A Complex Legacy for JK Rowling and Her Cast
Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood, initially criticized Rowling but later softened her stance.
She acknowledged the importance of hearing detransitioners’ voices while trying not to contribute to the pain felt by transgender people.
This debate within the Harry Potter family reflects broader tensions in society around gender identity, free speech, and the limits of public criticism.
As the conversation continues, each cast member’s views seem to reflect their personal values and experiences shaped by the franchise that changed their lives.