Following years of backlash against J.K. Rowling in relation to comments she's made about the transgender community, many stars of the Harry Potter franchise have weighed in with their thoughts. Some have expressed how they disagree with Rowling's comments, such as Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. Others have stood by Rowling to defend her from the backlash, as we've seen with others like Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter.
"It’s horrendous, a load of b******s," Carter told The Times last year. "I think [Rowling] has been hounded. It’s been taken to the extreme, the judgmentalism of people. She’s allowed her opinion, particularly if she’s suffered abuse."
Now, actor Jim Broadbent has offered his thoughts following renewed criticism against Rowling over her involvement in HBO Max's upcoming Harry Potter series. Broadbent, known to fans of the films for his role as Horace Slughorn, addressed the situation on his Twitter account. For his part, Broadbent isn't happy to see so much criticism against Rowling, feeling that she's an "amazing" person and finding the shole thing sad, as he regaled to The Telegraph.
“It’s really sad,” the actor is quoted as saying in the article. “I think J.K. Rowling is amazing. I haven’t had to confront [the backlash] myself, but I would support her in that, I think, if it came to it.”
J.K. Rowling Celebrated the News of the Harry Potter Reboot
There might be some backlash over Rowling being a part of the Harry Potter show, but that has not stopped her from celebrating her involvement. She decided to have some fun with the people on social media criticizing her inclusion with a post on Twitter noting how she was cracking out the bubbly as a way of celebrating.
Rowling's tweet noted, "Dreadful news, which I feel duty bound to share. Activists in my mentions are trying to organise yet another boycott of my work, this time of the Harry Potter TV show. As forewarned is forearmed, I've taken the precaution of laying in a large stock of champagne."
Rowling's involvement has also been touched on by HBO Chairman Casey Bloys. When asked about the controversy surrounding Rowling, Bloys suggested that this was mostly limited to social media, and not the primary concern of what they're wanting to do with the Harry Potter show. Bloys suggested that what was most important was what was going to be on the screen, reminding fans that they're not starting their relationship with Rowling here, but rather continuing one that's been ongoing for decades at this point.
"That’s a very online conversation, very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into," Bloys said. "Our priority is what’s on the screen. Obviously, the Harry Potter story is incredibly affirmative and positive and about love and self-acceptance. That’s our priority — what’s on screen."
Bloys added, "[Rowling] will be involved. She’s an executive producer on the show. Her insights are going to be helpful on that. The TV show is new and we’re excited about that, but, remember, we’ve been in the Potter business for 20 years. This is not a new decision for us, we’re very comfortable being in the Potter business.”
It's not yet clear when the Harry Potter series, which is planned to adapt one of the novels for each of its seasons, will be released on HBO Max.