Andrew Garfield has revealed his complicated views on the Harry Potter franchise, praising the work that went into the movies but criticising JK Rowling, who he referred to as “she that will remain nameless”.
Andrew Garfield doesn’t think fans should “throw the baby out with the bathwater” when it comes to the Harry Potter franchise.
The 42-year-old actor has recently watched the films for the first time, and – while he suggested people shouldn’t be financially supporting author JK Rowling due to her public views and causes she backs, which many have deemed transphobic – he heaped praise on the talents of the people involved.
Appearing on Hits Radio’s Watch My Life In Movies series, he said: “I hadn’t watched the Harry Potters until recently. And he’s really good in those Harry Potter movies!
“Those Harry Potter movies are really good!
“I know it’s controversial and we shouldn’t be putting money in the pocket of inhumane legislation right now, through she that will remain nameless.”
The Spider-Man star appeared to be referring to her donations to the For Women Scotland group, which opposed the expansion of trans rights.
However, Andrew pointed out that the “beautiful artists” who contributed deserve to be praised for their work.
He added: “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 bathwater.’
“There is so many beautiful artists that worked on those films. Anyway, I have a newfound appreciation for all of the artists.”
The controversy around Rowling’s views has resulted in backlash aimed at actors joining the new HBO reboot series of Harry Potter.
John Lithgow is playing Albus Dumbledore in the adaptation, and his Jimbo castmate Aud Mason-Hyde – who plays his non-binary grandchild in the queer family drama – admitted they find it “disconcerting” that he accepted the role, despite the criticism the author has faced.
Aud told Out magazine: “It was definitely a difficult moment in time.
“I don’t think it’s worth speaking to John’s reasoning by any means, but I do also think that it’s a strange decision, for sure. And also I found it disconcerting, maybe, is the right word.”
Aud found John – who plays a university professor and gay activist in Jimpa – to be “in some capacity a mentor” so found The Crown star’s career decision even more confusing.
They added: “He is such an incredibly talented actor, but also such a beautiful human to make work with, and that was my experience with John.
“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.”
John previously stressed that he has never met Rowling, but finds her stance “ironic and inexplicable” because of the messages of inclusivity in Harry Potter.
Speaking at a screening of Jimpa at the Rotterdam Film Festival, he said: “I take this subject extremely seriously. She has created this amazing canon for young people and it has jumped into the consciousness of the 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.”
Andrew Garfield says people ‘shouldn’t put money’ into JK Rowling’s pockets
