Bel Powley has spoken out that joining the new Harry Potter series does not mean she agrees with J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender rights. The actress, who will play Aunt Petunia in the upcoming HBO series, said she strongly disagrees with Rowling’s views. However, it does not change her excitement to be part of the franchise, she shared.
Bel Powley strongly disagreed with J.K. Rowling while defending her reboot role
During a recent interview with The Telegraph, the 34-year-old actress spoke about her role in the Harry Potter HBO series and addressed Rowling’s controversial comments about gender.
Bel Powley strongly disagreed with J.K. Rowling while defending her reboot role. She said, “I strongly disagree with J.K. Rowling’s views on gender.” And she added, “I think that the trans community deserve safety and dignity and respect and total acceptance.”
Powley will play Aunt Petunia Dursley, Harry Potter’s non-magical aunt who raises him after the death of his parents. The character is known for her dislike of Harry and the magical world he comes from.
Even though Powley does not agree with Rowling’s views, she said she still loves Harry Potter and grew up reading the books. “But I love Harry Potter,” she said. “I grew up with the books. I am from that first generation of readers and, again, I love magic and spookiness.”
Powley is not the first member of the Harry Potter cast to separate their views from Rowling’s on trans rights. Paapa Essiedu, who will play Professor Severus Snape, has shown his support for the transgender, non-binary and intersex communities. John Lithgow, who is set to play Professor Albus Dumbledore, has also said that he does not agree with Rowling’s views.
Lithgow previously said he finds it “ironic and somewhat inexplicable” that Rowling has expressed such views. He pointed out that the Harry Potter stories are closely connected to ideas of acceptance, kindness and the fight between good and evil.
Despite the controversy surrounding Rowling, HBO has continued with the series.
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