Andrew Garfield has notably refrained from mentioning JK Rowling by name, suggesting that the Harry Potter series has been overshadowed by controversy due to her views on transgender issues.
The 42-year-old actor, who holds dual British-American citizenship, chose not to directly reference the author when discussing the globally beloved children’s books in a recent interview.
In a conversation on Hits Radio, Garfield opted to refer to Rowling as ‘she that shall remain nameless,’ a phrase that cleverly echoes the way characters in the Harry Potter series refer to the dark antagonist, Lord Voldemort, as ‘You Know Who’ or ‘He Who Must Not Be Named.’
During the interview, Garfield shared that he had just viewed the film adaptations from the early 2000s for the first time, which prompted his comment about the contentious nature of the series today.
“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 remarked, as reported by The Telegraph.
‘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…,’ he said, according to The Telegraph.
Discussion of the Harry Potter stories and their creator has erupted again in recent times ahead of an upcoming TV adaptation by HBO, set for release at Christmas.
Rowling has previously faced criticism by fans, which has lately reignited, for her controversial views on and disparaging remarks about transgender people.
The British-American actor (pictured), 42, declined to explicitly mention the author of the infamous series of children’s novels when discussing it in a recent interview
He instead referred to the writer (pictured) as ‘she that shall remain nameless’ during the segment on Hits Radio
Many supporters of trans rights have now called for viewers to boycott the forthcoming programme over her stance.
But Garfield warned it would be ill-advised to do so simply based on the author’s opinions, warning ‘you can’t throw the baby out of the bathwater’.
Again referencing the existing film adaptations, the actor continued: ‘There are so many beautiful artists that worked on those films.
‘I have a newfound appreciation for all of the artists, and Daniel [Radcliffe, who plays Harry Potter] is great.’
Garfield is famous for his roles in Hacksaw Ridge, The Amazing Spiderman and The Social Network.
He is currently starring in The Magic Faraway Tree, the film adaptation, released on Friday, of writer Enid Blyton’s series of children’s novels of the same name.
His comments came after a trans-owned bookshop allowed customers to vandalise Rowling’s Harry Potter novels this week.
The Bookish Type in Leeds invited shoppers to deface the beloved children’s books to raise money for transgender healthcare.
Bosses said customers can deface ‘as many pages’ as they want of an edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
The independent shop then plans to auction the book off once it’s filled up.
One message, addressing Rowling, says: ‘You’ve ruined yourself, ruined the name of feminism and ruined the precious childhood of thousands of women and girls. F*** you.’
The Bookish Type told PinkNews: ‘We came up with this idea a few weeks ago as a silly and cathartic way to raise money for five local trans people.
‘It was originally going to only be on our second hand Sunday event that we run every few months where we sell second hand books and give all the money towards local trans people’s healthcare costs, but we did it a week early and people love it!’
Rowling was first criticised for her gender-critical views in 2018 when she liked a post on social media platform X describing trans women as ‘men in dresses’.
Her spokesperson at the time described the ‘like’ as a ‘mistake’, calling it a ‘clumsy middle-aged moment’.
But the author has since embarked on a campaign seeking to protect what she describes as women’s rights, fuelled by her own experiences of domestic abuse.
Garfield was speaking about the existing film adaptations (pictured) from the noughties, which he said he had only recently watched for the first time, when he made the remark.
Discussion of the Harry Potter stories and their creator has erupted again in recent times ahead of an upcoming TV adaptation (pictured, the trailer) by HBO, set for release at Christmas
Garfield’s comments came after a trans-owned bookshop invited customers to vandalise Rowling’s Harry Potter novels this week. Pictured: The business’s sign for shoppers
That campaign has seen her oppose legislation in Scotland that sought to make it easier for trans people to change their legal gender.
The writer has also provided financial support to those fighting court cases challenging the legal status of trans people.
In a lengthy 3,600-word statement on her website published in 2020, she said her stance on trans rights was drawn from her experiences of abuse and sexual assault.
She wrote: ‘When you throw open the doors of bathrooms and changing rooms to any man who believes or feels he’s a woman… then you open the door to any and all men who wish to come inside. That is the simple truth.’
Former Harry Potter actor Radcliffe, along with co-stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, has previously publicly criticised the author for her gender-critical views.
Rowling said last year: ‘Emma and Dan in particular have both made it clear over the last few years that they think our former professional association gives them a particular right – nay, obligation – to critique me and my views in public.
‘Like other people who’ve never experienced adult life uncushioned by wealth and fame, Emma has so little experience of real life, she’s ignorant of how ignorant she is … I wasn’t a multimillionaire at 14.’
‘I lived in poverty while writing the book that made Emma famous.
‘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.’
A trailer released this week offered fans a glimpse into the upcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation, including the newcomer child stars who will be leading it.
Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton will play the central trio of wizardry students, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.
The series, on which Rowling is an executive producer, also stars a host of already iconic actors, including John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu and Nick Frost.
Lithgow, who will play Hogwarts headteacher Albus Dumbledore, has previously said it was ‘a hard decision’ to take on the role amid Rowling’s views about trans people.
He called her stance on the matter ‘inexplicable’.
Representatives for JK Rowling have been contacted for comment.
