J.K. Rowling has once again stirred controversy.
This time, she appears to take a pointed jab at Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint—the stars of the popular Harry Potter film series.
The author responded to a question on X asking, “What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?” with the quip:
“Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible.”
While Rowling didn’t name anyone directly, many online took it as a thinly veiled swipe at the three actors, all of whom have publicly distanced themselves from her over her views on transgender rights—views that have sparked fierce backlash and divided longtime fans of the beloved wizarding franchise.
The once-close relationship between Rowling and the young stars she helped launch into global fame has deteriorated since 2020, when the author began posting a series of statements that critics labeled as transphobic.
Rowling’s comments—such as her claim that trans women are not women and her refusal to use preferred pronouns—have drawn widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and allies.
In response, Harry Potter lead actor Daniel Radcliffe told The Atlantic that Rowling’s stance “makes me really sad,” adding that the world the author created had always felt “deeply empathic.”
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, has also made her opinion known: “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned.”
Joining the debate, Ron Weasley actor Rupert Grint said: “I firmly stand with the trans community… Trans women are women. Trans men are men.”
Rowling, meanwhile, has rejected criticism, embraced the “TERF” (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) label, and said she has no intention of forgiving celebrities who opposed her.
“Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights… can save their apologies,” she wrote in an earlier post.
This was reported by Euronews.
Defenders and Divides
While Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint have been vocal in their disapproval, not all former Potter cast members share the same view.
Actor Ralph Fiennes, who played Lord Voldemort, has defended Rowling, calling the abuse directed at her “disgusting” and “appalling.”
Still, the public fallout has reshaped how many fans view the Harry Potter legacy — once a near-universal symbol of imagination and belonging, now a flashpoint in ongoing culture wars.
Rowling’s Continued Influence on the Franchise
Despite the controversy, Rowling remains a central figure in the Harry Potter universe, serving as executive producer of the upcoming HBO reboot of the original series.
Casting for the project is underway, with new, largely unknown actors expected to take on the iconic roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
In a notable casting decision, six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow has been confirmed to play Albus Dumbledore, taking over a role previously portrayed by Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, and Jude Law.
While some have questioned Rowling’s continued involvement, HBO has stood by her, stating:
“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.”
