Andrew Garfield took a brief detour in a recent interview with Hits Radio to reveal that he had just recently watched the Harry Potter films, a decision he acknowledged was controversial given author JK Rowling’s anti-trans views. The Oscar nominee didn’t even say her name, instead referring to Rowling as “She Who Remains Nameless,” an obvious nod to villain Voldemort (aka “He Who Must Not Be Named”). However, Garfield also said that the film cannot be completely dismissed because of Rowling, as Daniel Radcliffe’s performance is so great and the artistry on display so beautiful.
“Daniel is absolutely amazing. To be honest, I hadn’t seen the Harry Potter movies until recently,” Garfield said. “He’s really good in that movie. That ‘Harry Potter’ movie is really good. I know it’s controversial and we shouldn’t be putting money into the pockets of inhumane bills right now through a girl who won’t be named, but the soul and the spirit…the essence of what those movies are about, kids, artisans, people in crafts. I work with Claire, who is an amazing make-up artist, and working with the creatures…you can’t throw the baby out with the bath water. There are so many great artists who worked on these films, and I have a newfound appreciation for them all, and Daniel is amazing.”
“Harry Potter” is currently being rebooted as an HBO television series, and its first trailer was released online this month to much fanfare. Several of the show’s cast members have been questioned about their participation in the series, despite the creators’ anti-transgender views. John Lithgow, who plays Dumbledore, told The New York Times that he almost quit because of the backlash he received for his involvement with Rowling. He stayed because the Harry Potter books themselves “are clearly on the side of the angels against intolerance and bigotry,” Garfield noted when speaking about the “essence” of the series’ themes.
Rowling told fans on social media after the trailer for HBO’s Harry Potter was released that the show was “going to be incredible” and that she was “so happy,” but her involvement in the series continues to make many fans uncomfortable. She first went public with her anti-trans beliefs in June 2020, and many stars of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films spoke out against her in support of transgender rights, including Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Eddie Redmayne.
When HBO began developing the Harry Potter series with Rowling’s involvement, the network issued a statement saying, “We are proud to retell the Harry Potter story – a heartwarming book about the power of friendship, determination and acceptance. JK Rowling is entitled to express her personal views. We remain focused on developing new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
Watch Garfield’s full interview on Hits Radio in the video below.
