Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros.
Topics: Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe, Film, JK Rowling
Anish Vij
Topics: Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe, Film, JK Rowling
Harry Potter star Tom Felton, who is set to reprise his role as Draco Malfoy, has given his thoughts on JK Rowling's views on trans women.
The 37-year-old played the iconic character in all eight films alongside Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson.
Amid the recent announcement of a new Harry Potter HBO series, however, Felton will not be making an on-screen appearance in the TV adaptation.
Instead, the actor will reprise his role in the spin-off stage production, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, at New York's Lyric Theatre from November 11 for 19 weeks.
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"It's surreal to be stepping back into his shoes - and of course his iconic platinum blond hair - and I am thrilled to be able to see his story through and to share it with the greatest fan community in the world," he said.
Now, he was asked by Variety during a red carpet appearance if Rowling's past controversy surrounding her comments on transgender women had an 'impact' on him or his work.
In 2020, the author shared an essay on her website which outlined 'her reasons for speaking out on sex and gender issues'.
Her comments have since sparked accusations of transphobia, which she has denied.
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Since then, numerous Harry Potter stars have spoken out in defence of the transgender community, including Radcliffe, Watson and Grint, who played Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley respectively.
Rowling has also seemingly made it clear where she stands with the three actors.
In his interview with Variety, Felton said he 'can't say it does' and he is 'not really that attuned to it'.
"The only thing I always remind myself is that I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world — here I am in New York — and I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter. She’s responsible for that, so I’m incredibly grateful," he added.
In a previous interview with The Times, Felton reiterated that he wouldn't 'talk specifics'.
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"I couldn’t speak for what others have said or what she said, to be completely honest, but I’m often reminded, attending Comic-Cons in particular, that no one has single-handedly done more for bringing joy to so many different generations and walks of life," he said.
"I’m constantly reminded of her positive work in that field and as a person. I’ve only had a handful of meetings with her but she has always been lovely. So I’m very grateful for that.
"I’m pro. I’m pro-choice. I’m pro-life. I’m pro-discussion. I’m pro-love. I don’t tend to pick sides."
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child will be Felton's first time on Broadway, and he'd previously described his role in the films as being 'one of the greatest honours of my life', adding: "I look forward to joining this incredible company and being a part of the Broadway community."