Harry Potter star Michelle Gomez on 'painful' casting backlash as Voldemort star confirmed
Actress Michelle Gomez has addressed the controversy surrounding her casting in a new Harry Potter production, as filming progresses on the HBO series, reports the Daily Record.
The 58 year old Scottish star, recognised for her work in Doctor Who and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, took to social media to respond to criticism.
Gomez encountered fan backlash for her involvement in Pottermore Publishing and Audible's forthcoming audio adaptation of the Harry Potter novels by J. K. Rowling, who has been promoting anti-trans views in recent years. She is one of a number of stars in the Audible production.
The Glasgow-born performer shared a statement via her Instagram Stories on Wednesday (August 6), stating, according to Entertainment Weekly: "To my LGBTQ+ fans, and especially the trans community: I want to speak directly to the concerns that have been raised about my involvement in this project."
"I want to speak directly to the concerns that have been raised about my involvement in this project.
READ MORE: 'I was left spellbound by hotel in the shadow of Harry Potter's real-life Hogwarts'
"I hear you, and I understand why this is painful for many. I want to be clear that I stand with trans people, and I support trans rights - fully and without hesitation.
"When I accepted this role, I did so as someone who has always loved the stories and what they meant to so many - especially those who found comfort and identity in that world. I now understand more clearly how deeply complicated and hurtful this association can feel, and I take that seriously.
"Being an ally means listening even when it's uncomfortable and taking accountability where it's needed. I'm committed to doing both."
Gomez is set to lend her voice to Professor McGonagall in the forthcoming audiobooks, with her declaration arriving as the complete cast lineup was revealed earlier this week.
The Audible production boasts an impressive ensemble including House and The Night Manager's Hugh Laurie taking on Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Succession and Pride and Prejudice star Matthew Macfadyen as the Dark Lord Voldemort, Sound of Metal's Riz Ahmed stepping into Professor Snape's robes, and The Good Wife's Cush Jumbo serving as narrator throughout the series.
Questions are mounting over whether other celebrities involved in the project will follow Gomez's lead in making public statements.
The young performers tackling the iconic trio include Frankie Treadaway as the Boy Who Lived, Max Lester as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger across the opening three instalments.
For the remaining novels, Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, and Nina Barker-Francis will step into the shoes of Harry, Ron and Hermione respectively.
This fresh backlash surrounding the Audible recordings mirrors the furore directed at HBO's planned Harry Potter television remake, stemming from author Rowling's controversial stance on transgender issues.
The upcoming series will feature Dominic McLaughlin in the titular role alongside Alastair Stout as his loyal friend Ron, whilst Stanton returns to portray Hermione once again. The HBO series features a star-studded cast, including The Crown's John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Hot Fuzz's Nick Frost as Hagrid, I May Destroy You actor Paapa Essiedu as Professor Snape, and Ozark's Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall.
Harry Potter veterans Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, along with other stars from the film franchise, have all publicly disagreed with Rowling's views and expressed their solidarity with the trans community.
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