Andrew Garfield Throws Shade at J.K. Rowling While Honoring the ‘Harry Potter’ Film Crew
Andrew Garfield recently shared his thoughts on the Harry Potter films, praising the talented artists behind the series while criticizing J.K. Rowling for her controversial views. The actor, who recently watched the movies for the first time, told Hits Radio’s Watch My Life In Movies series that the films are impressive.
“[Daniel Radcliffe] is really good in the ‘Harry Potter’ films, the films are really good,” Garfield said. He added that while the films are enjoyable, people should be careful about supporting Rowling financially because of her donations to groups like For Women Scotland, which have opposed expanding trans rights. “I know it’s controversial and we shouldn’t be putting money in the pocket of inhumane legislation right now, through… she who shall remain nameless,” he said.
Despite his criticism, Garfield emphasized that the people who worked on the films deserve recognition. “There are so many beautiful artists that worked on those films. The soul and the spirit of a lot of the essence and theme of the films, and all the artisans and the craftspeople… I’m working with a wonderful makeup artist, Claire, right now who was working [in] the creature workshops, and I’m just like, ‘Oh man, we can’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.’ I have a newfound appreciation for all of the artists,” he explained.
The comments come amid ongoing debate over Rowling’s personal views and the way they affect the Harry Potter franchise. Some actors have faced questions about joining new projects related to the series. John Lithgow, cast as Albus Dumbledore in the HBO reboot, addressed the criticism and said he has never met Rowling.
“She has created this amazing canon for young people and it has jumped into the consciousness of society. It’s about good versus evil, kindness versus cruelty. I find her views ironic and inexplicable. I’ve never met her, she’s not really involved in this production at all. But the people who are, are remarkable,” Lithgow said at the Rotterdam Film Festival.
His co-star Aud Mason-Hyde, who plays his non-binary grandchild in another project, admitted that it was confusing to see Lithgow take the role given the controversy. “I never felt invalidated or questioned or doubted in my identity or in my transness by him. I consistently felt that he was a very loving and a very guiding co-star. And so there’s an element of this that feels vaguely hurtful,” Mason-Hyde told Out magazine.
Garfield’s perspective highlights a distinction between the work of the many artists involved in the films and the controversial views of their author. He suggested that fans can still enjoy and celebrate the artistry without supporting Rowling financially.
Garfield makes an important point. It’s possible to separate the hard work of the cast and crew from the personal beliefs of the author. The Harry Potter films are a collaboration of many talented people, and they deserve credit. What do you think about his take on the franchise and J.K. Rowling? Share your thoughts in the comments.
