British-American actor Andrew Garfield has pointedly refused to name author JK Rowling during a recent radio interview, claiming the Harry Potter franchise has become "toxic" due to her controversial views on transgender issues. The 42-year-old star declined to explicitly mention the creator of the famous children's book series, instead referring to her as "she that shall remain nameless" during his appearance on Hits Radio.
Voldemort-Style Reference to Controversial Author
Garfield's phrasing appeared to be a deliberate nod to the Harry Potter villain Lord Voldemort, who characters in the fantasy series variously call "You Know Who" and "He Who Must Not Be Named." The actor was discussing the existing film adaptations from the 2000s, which he revealed he had only recently watched for the first time, when he made the pointed remark about avoiding financial support for what he described as "inhumane legislation."
"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...," Garfield stated, according to The Telegraph's report of the interview.
Renewed Controversy Ahead of HBO Adaptation
Discussion of the Harry Potter stories and their creator has intensified in recent months ahead of an upcoming television adaptation by HBO, scheduled for release this Christmas. Rowling has faced sustained criticism from fans and activists for her gender-critical views and disparaging remarks about transgender people, with many supporters of trans rights calling for a boycott of the forthcoming programme.
However, Garfield cautioned against completely rejecting the Harry Potter adaptations based solely on the author's opinions, warning that "you can't throw the baby out with the bathwater." The actor expressed appreciation for the artistic contributions of those involved in the film series, specifically mentioning Daniel Radcliffe's performance as Harry Potter.
Trans-Owned Bookshop Protest
Garfield's comments follow a recent protest at The Bookish Type, a trans-owned bookshop in Leeds that invited customers to vandalise copies of Rowling's Harry Potter novels to raise money for transgender healthcare. The independent shop allowed shoppers to deface "as many pages" as they wanted of an edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, with plans to auction the book once completed.
One message addressed directly to Rowling read: "You've ruined yourself, ruined the name of feminism and ruined the precious childhood of thousands of women and girls. F*** you." Shop managers described the initiative as "a silly and cathartic way to raise money for five local trans people" and noted that the response had been overwhelmingly positive.
Rowling's Gender-Critical Campaign
Rowling first faced significant criticism for her views in 2018 when she liked a social media post describing trans women as "men in dresses." Her spokesperson initially dismissed this as a "clumsy middle-aged moment," but the author has since embarked on a sustained campaign focused on protecting what she describes as women's rights, citing her own experiences of domestic abuse as motivation.
The writer has opposed legislation in Scotland that sought to simplify the process for transgender people to change their legal gender and has provided financial support to court cases challenging the legal status of trans individuals. In a detailed 3,600-word statement published on her website in 2020, Rowling explained that her stance on trans rights was shaped by her personal history of abuse and sexual assault.
Former Cast Members' Responses
Several former Harry Potter actors have publicly criticised Rowling's gender-critical views, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. Rowling responded last year by suggesting that Watson and Radcliffe in particular felt an "obligation" to critique her views publicly due to their former professional association, while questioning their understanding of real-world issues given their early wealth and fame.
"I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous," Rowling stated. "I therefore understand from my own life experience what the trashing of women's rights, in which Emma has so enthusiastically participated, means to women and girls without her privileges."
Upcoming Television Adaptation
A recently released trailer has offered fans their first glimpse of the forthcoming Harry Potter television adaptation, featuring newcomer child stars Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton as the central trio of wizardry students. The series, on which Rowling serves as an executive producer, also includes established actors such as John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu, and Nick Frost.
Lithgow, who will portray Hogwarts headteacher Albus Dumbledore, has previously acknowledged that accepting the role was "a hard decision" given Rowling's controversial views about transgender people, describing her stance on the matter as "inexplicable."
Garfield, known for his roles in Hacksaw Ridge, The Amazing Spider-Man, and The Social Network, is currently starring in The Magic Faraway Tree, the film adaptation of Enid Blyton's beloved children's book series, which was released last Friday.
