During his recent Hits Radio My Life In Movies interview, Andrew Garfield defends watching Harry Potter movies as he revealed he recently watched the franchise for the first time. And he said that he did so knowing it was “controversial.”
The 42-year-old British-American actor said investing in the Potter universe would ultimately reward “she that shall remain nameless.”
While he did not name J.K. Rowling or reference the transgender rights debate, he did allude to them when talking about the controversies. He said, “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 were really good.”
“I know it’s like controversial. And like, we shouldn’t be — you know — putting money in the pocket of unhumane 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 the kids are so good.”
The actor referenced her donations to the For Women Scotland group, which opposed the expansion of trans rights. However, Andrew pointed out that the “beautiful artists” who contributed deserve to be praised for their work.
“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 bathwater.”
“There are so many beautiful artists who worked on those films. Anyway, I have a newfound appreciation for all of the artists.”
The ongoing controversy against Rowling’s views has resulted in backlash aimed at actors joining the new HBO reboot series of Harry Potter.
HBO put out a statement saying, “We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
It's going to be incredible. I'm so happy with it.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 26, 2026
Rowling told her fans through social media after HBO’s Harry Potter trailer was released that the show “is going to be incredible” and she’s “so happy with it.” However, many are uninterested in the series because of her involvement. However, she also recently celebrated the ruling by the IOC to ban transgender women from competing in women’s events at the Olympic Games.
Today's ruling by the IOC means a welcome return to fair sport for women and girls, but I'll never forget the scandal of Paris 2024, when people who consider themselves supremely virtuous and progressive publicly cheered on men punching women. pic.twitter.com/qmQCI2Mks5
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 26, 2026
Garfield defending those who watch Harry Potter is just another voice in the ongoing debate between fans advocating not to support J.K. Rowling and those who want to support their favorite childhood story.