Tom Felton weighs in on J.K. Rowling controversy as he sets 'Harry Potter' Broadway run
On the red carpet of the Tony Awards, Variety asked Felton if the controversy surrounding Rowling, who in recent years has come under fire for a series of anti-trans statements, impacts him.
"I can't say it does," responded the 37-year-old actor, who starred as Draco Malfoy in the "Harry Potter" movies. "I'm not really that attuned to it."
Felton added, "The only thing I always remind myself is that I've been lucky enough to travel the world — here I am in New York — and I have not seen anything bring the world together more than 'Potter,' and she's responsible for that, so I'm incredibly grateful."
The comments came days after Felton announced he will reprise the role of Draco in the Broadway show "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" in November, marking the first instance of an actor from the "Potter" film series joining the play's cast.
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Felton's decision to return to "Harry Potter" drew some criticism online given Rowling has repeatedly stirred up controversy with her statements about the transgender community for more than five years.
Speaking to USA TODAY on the Tony Awards' red carpet, Felton said it was a "bit of a no-brainer" to join the cast of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," which takes place 19 years after "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" and serves as a sequel to Rowling's books.
"I'm exactly the age of the character," Felton noted. "He's 37, I'm 37. It's been 16 years since I played him last, and what a great way to bring him back: on stage, live, not behind a camera for the first time."
In April, Rowling shared a photo of herself smoking a cigar to celebrate a U.K. Supreme Court ruling that the definition of a woman under equality legislation refers to "biological sex."
The post spurred further criticism, with "Bridgerton" star Nicola Coughlan saying on Instagram, "Keep your new Harry Potter lads. Wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole."
In 2020, Rowling published a lengthy blog on her website explaining that she is "worried about the new trans activism" and feels she needs to speak out against it. Rowling's stance has led some fans to vow they will not watch the upcoming "Harry Potter" HBO series, while the network has defended the author. "J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views," HBO said last year. "We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement."
"Harry Potter" stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have spoken out in support of the trans community in light of the Rowling controversy.
Contributing: Clare Mulroy and Ralphie Aversa, USA TODAY; Reuters
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