Andrew Garfield referred to author J.K. Rowling as “she that shall remain nameless” as he revealed he recently watched the Harry Potter movies for the first time.
Aside from the remark about Rowling (referencing the series’ antagonist Lord Voldemort who is often referred to as “he who shall not be named”), the 42-year-old Los Angeles-born actor was otherwise full of praise for the franchise, noting that lead actor is Daniel Radcliffe is “really good” in the films.
Garfield told Hits Radio: “I hadn’t watched the Harry Potters until recently … and he’s [Daniel Radcliffe] really good in those Harry Potter movies. Those Harry Potter movies are really good.”
He added: “I know it’s, like, controversial. And like, we shouldn’t be, you know, putting money in the pocket of inhumane legislation right now through she that shall remain nameless. But the soul and the spirit of a lot of the essence of the themes of those films, and all the artisans and craftspeople…
“I’m working with a wonderful make-up artist, Claire, right now who was working in the creature workshop. I feel 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.”
The Independent has contacted a representative for Rowling for comment.
Last year, Rowling supported the campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS) as they brought a series of legal challenges over the legal definition of a “woman.”
The U.K.’s Supreme Court handed down a judgment last April which has found that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex.
The decision meant that transgender women can no longer sit on public boards in places set aside for women. It also had potential impacts on the way that trans people use single-sex spaces such as toilets, refuge spaces and hospital wards.
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Rowling has previously seemed to take a swipe at the Harry Potter films’ lead stars, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, for their own support of transgender rights.
When Rowling was asked last year: “What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?” she responded: “Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible.”
Rowling’s views on gender have divided the entertainment industry. David Tennant has spoken out against her views, while The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal called Rowling a “heinous loser” in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, after she shared a photo from her superyacht, smoking a cigar, alongside the caption, “I love it when a plan comes together.”
