JK Rowling Takes Brutal Swipe at Harry Potter Stars Who ‘Ruined’ the Franchise for Her
JK Rowling has once again hinted at ongoing tensions with the actors who brought her Harry Potter series to life on the big screen. In her latest post on X, she appeared to take a swipe at Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who have all publicly distanced themselves from her views.
When a user posed the question: “What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?” Rowling couldn’t resist firing back with: “Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible,” adding three laughing emojis for good measure.
The rift between Rowling and the trio has been widening for years. In April last year, she told them they could “save their apologies”—making it clear she had no interest in reconciling after they openly criticized her stance on trans issues, reported the Express.
The fallout began in June 2020 when Rowling faced intense backlash over social media posts deemed transphobic by many. Her comments triggered strong reactions from the Harry Potter cast, with Radcliffe leading the charge against her views.
In an open letter for the LGBTQ+ organization The Trevor Project, Radcliffe expressed regret for any pain caused by Rowling’s words. He reassured fans that their love for Harry Potter shouldn’t be tarnished by the controversy and stressed the importance of supporting transgender and non-binary individuals, adding that the situation was “really sad.”
Radcliffe later made it clear that he didn’t feel indebted to Rowling just because she wrote the books that shaped his career. “I haven’t spoken to her in several years,” he admitted, insisting that he didn’t “owe” her anything.
Watson also took to X to stand with the trans community, telling her followers: “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.” She assured her trans fans that she and many others “see you, respect you, and love you for who you are.”
Grint echoed similar sentiments, stating at the time: “I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers. Trans women are women. Trans men are men.”
Two years later, he softened his stance slightly in an interview with The Times, comparing Rowling to a family member he disagrees with: “I liken JK Rowling to an auntie. I don’t necessarily agree with everything my auntie says, but she’s still my auntie. It’s a tricky one.”
With Rowling’s latest social media jab, it’s clear the divide between the author and her former stars is far from healing, keeping fans firmly divided in the ongoing feud.