Tom Felton is among the original Harry Potter cast members who have not spoken out against J.K. Rowling regarding her gender-critical views, and he has reportedly been rewarded by the author as a result.
Rowling has faced backlash after posting celebratory messages about a recent ruling in the UK that transgender women are no longer legally recognized as women. Since then, several Hollywood stars have weighed in with their opinions on the issue.
Tom Felton Gets a Role in the Harry Potter Reboot for Siding with J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling is no stranger to criticism due to her recent comments on gender identity, especially from the cast of the Harry Potter film series.
The Wizarding World’s main stars, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, quickly reprimanded and distanced themselves from Rowling when she began sharing her views on social media in 2020.
However, one actor with a major role in the films has refused to make any public statements about the children’s book author’s controversial opinions, and has reportedly been given a job because of it.
Tom Felton, best known for playing Draco Malfoy in the series, will be joining the crew of the upcoming Harry Potter reboot, according to the Daily Mail.
“Tom has Jo’s blessing. While others turned their backs on her, he treated her with dignity, even if he disagreed with her. And now it seems he will be the one original cast member involved in the new production,” the insider stated. “The producers want to keep the television series separate from the original movies.”
In 2022, Felton was also asked about his thoughts on Rowling fueling debates online about sex, gender, and feminism. He responded:
“No one has single-handedly done more for bringing joy to so many different generations and walks of life. I've only had a handful of meetings with her, but she has always been lovely. So I'm very grateful for that.”
The 37-year-old is reportedly interested in meeting the actor who will play Draco in the HBO series, and he may also take part in producing behind-the-scenes content for the platform, which could later be turned into a making-of feature for the show.
The Original Harry Potter Cast Who Support Trans Rights
Since Rowling began making statements online about “womanhood” and “gender identity” that many have deemed transphobic, she has faced abuse and death threats, and media associated with her work has been targeted for boycotts.
Because of this, Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint released statements in support of trans women and men. Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley, also told her followers on X that she stands with the trans community.
Rowling’s relationship with the original Harry Potter cast appears to have soured after that. While commending the Cass Review, a study that examines the effects of puberty blockers, a user on X brought up the idea of the trio giving her a public apology.
She responded, “Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single-sex spaces.”
What are your thoughts on Tom Felton landing a role in the Harry Potter reboot? Let us know in the comments.
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