Andrew Garfield urges fans to support 'Harry Potter' films, not JK Rowling

Andrew Garfield has shared his nuanced thoughts on the Harry Potter franchise, praising the artistry of the films while criticizing author JK Rowling, whom he referred to as “she that will remain nameless.”

The 42-year-old actor recently watched the Harry Potter movies for the first time and appeared on Hits Radio’s Watch My Life in Movies series to reflect on his experience. 

While expressing admiration for the talent behind the films, Garfield cautioned fans about financially supporting Rowling due to her controversial public views.

“I hadn’t watched the Harry Potters until recently. And he’s really good in those Harry Potter movies!” Garfield said, praising the performances. 

“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 actor seemed to be referencing Rowling’s donations to organizations such as For Women Scotland, which opposed the expansion of trans rights—a stance that has drawn widespread criticism.

Despite this, Garfield emphasized the importance of recognizing the work of the many “beautiful artists” who brought the films to life.

“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 the bathwater.’ There are so many beautiful artists that worked on those films. Anyway, I have a newfound appreciation for all of the artists,” he said.

Garfield’s comments come amid broader scrutiny of actors joining the new HBO Harry Potter reboot. 

John Lithgow, cast as Albus Dumbledore, faced criticism from co-star Aud Mason-Hyde, who described it as “disconcerting” given Rowling’s controversial stances.

“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,” Mason-Hyde told Out magazine. 

“He is such an incredibly talented actor, but also such a beautiful human to make work with… and there’s an element of this that feels vaguely hurtful.”

Lithgow, meanwhile, defended his involvement, noting that he has never met Rowling and finds her views “ironic and inexplicable” in light of the inclusive messages of the Harry Potter universe. 

Speaking at the Rotterdam Film Festival, he said, “She has created this amazing canon for young people and it has jumped into the consciousness of society. 

"It’s about good versus evil, kindness versus cruelty. I find her views ironic and inexplicable. She’s not really involved in this production at all. But the people who are, are remarkable.”