As Tom Felton prepares for his Broadway debut and return to the Wizarding World, the Harry Potter star shares his thoughts on author JK Rowling's anti-transgender controversies, which sparked criticism.
Where Does Tom Felton Stand on JK Rowling's Political Controversy?
This isn't the first time that Felton has voiced out his support for both the Harry Potter franchise and its original author, but as fans have long been wondering, what does he actually think about her anti-trans agenda?
When asked by Variety about Felton's stance surrounding Rowling's political views, the actor's first thought is that it doesn't impact him or his work on Broadway's Harry Potter and the Cursed Child comeback.
"No, I can't say it does," Felton said, "I'm not really that attuned."
The author of Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard goes on to say how 'lucky enough' he is to have traveled the world, and now, New York, all thanks to the franchise.
"I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter, and she's responsible for that. So I'm incredibly grateful," Felton added.
The former Harry Potter alum has been open when it comes to making his reprisal to the franchise as the adult Draco Malfoy, in hopes of getting to portray his character as a father this time.
"This is all reimagined into a very lovely new, tight story," Felton gushed about the Broadway's version of the Cursed Child, "And I get to be a dad, which has been fun."
JK Rowling, in return, gives him a pat on the back by reposting the news on her social media page, a clear sign that both ends support one another.
What Else Has the Draco Malfoy Actor Said About the Author?
Considering that Rowling has been under fire for her trans views since 2018, it's expected from the original Harry Potter cast to speak up about it. Main stars like Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Bonnie Wright did.
Felton, however, expressed a different sentiment from the others.
"I'm constantly reminded of [Rowling's] positive work in that field and as a person," Felton previously said on The Times, highlighting that while he 'couldn't speak' for her, he generally admires her, "I've only had a handful of meetings with her but she has always been lovely. So I'm very grateful for that."
"I don't tend to pick sides," Felton continued, claiming that he's 'pro choice' and 'pro life', 'pro love' above all.
He adds that he doesn't necessarily have to 'agree' with friends and family to celebrate their differences, "I won't talk specifics, but I enjoy reminding myself and others that a lot of my good friends have ways of life or personal decisions that I don't necessarily agree with. We should enjoy celebrating each other's differences."
For now, Tom Felton is set to make his Broadway debut in the Cursed Child play at the Lyric Theatre in New York City, as his limited run (19 weeks) starts on November 11. Stay tuned for more updates on this story!
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