Andrew Garfield took a brief detour during his recent Hits Radio interview to reveal that he only recently just watched the “Harry Potter” movie franchise, which he’s aware is a controversial decision given author J.K. Rowling‘s anti-trans views. The Oscar nominee wouldn’t even say her name, referring to Rowling instead as “she who shall remain nameless” in an apparent nod to the villainous Voldemort (aka He Who Must Not Be Named). But Garfield also noted that Daniel Radcliffe‘s performance is so great and the artistry on display so beautiful that one can’t just outright dismiss the films because of Rowling.
“Daniel is so goddamn good. Honestly, I hadn’t watched the ‘Harry Potter’ movies until recently,” Garfield said. “He’s really good in those movies. Those ‘Harry Potter’ movies are really good. I know it’s controversial and we shouldn’t be putting money in the pocket of inhumane legislation right now through she that shall remain nameless, but the soul and spirit… the essence of the themes of those films and the kids and the artisans and the craft people. I’m working with a wonderful makeup artist, Claire, who worked on the creatures… you can’t throw the baby out of the bathwater. There are so many beautiful artists that worked on those films. I have a newfound appreciation for all of the artists, and Daniel is great.”
“Harry Potter” is currently being rebooted as an HBO television series, the first trailer for which debuted online this month to much fanfare. Several of the actors in the show have been questioned about joining the franchise despite its creator’s anti-trans views. Dumbledore actor John Lithgow told The New York Times he nearly quit due to the backlash he received over being associated with Rowling. He stayed on because the “Harry Potter” books themselves were “clearly on the side of the angels, against intolerance and bigotry,” something Garfield noted when he spoke of “the essence” of the franchise’s themes.
Rowling told fans on social media after HBO’s “Harry Potter” trailer dropped that the show “is going to be incredible” and “I’m so happy with it,” but her involvement with the series continues to put off a lot of fans. She first went public in June 2020 about her anti-trans beliefs, prompting many of the stars of the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” movies — including Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Eddie Redmayne — to speak out against her in support of trans rights.
When HBO went into development on the “Harry Potter” series with Rowling’s involvement, the network put out the statement: “We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
Watch Garfield’s full interview with Hits Radio in the video below.
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