Actor Warwick Davis has responded to the backlash surrounding the upcoming Harry Potter television series, urging people to accept those who are “different in this world”.
The 56-year-old has reprised his role as Hogwarts’ charms professor Filius Flitwick for the HBO adaptation based on JK Rowling’s fantasy novels. The new series has divided fans and sparked controversy due to the author’s vocal stance on gender identity.
Rowling’s views and protests
Rowling, who serves as an executive producer on the series, has previously stated she believes biological sex is “real” and “immutable” and has been critical of self-declared gender identity, calling it “quasi-religious” and “anti-science”. She has denied being transphobic and previously said she respects “every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them”.
Her views have prompted a wave of protests and boycotts by trans rights activists targeting Harry Potter-themed events and locations. Recently, several protesters rushed the red carpet ahead of the gala performance of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre in London, with one wearing a T-shirt reading “Rowling money kills”.
Davis speaks on the red carpet
Speaking on the red carpet for the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain awards, Davis told the Press Association: “I’m not really privy to a lot of the backlash. I will just say though, I’m a person of difference but it would be nice if everyone could accept people who are different in this world for who they are, not for what they are.”
Davis praised the cast and crew working on the upcoming series, saying: “It’s a fantastic team. The very best of the best working on this series. They’re absolutely fantastic. Love it.” He starred in the film blockbusters alongside Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint for a decade.
Pride of Britain significance
Speaking about the importance of the Pride of Britain award ceremony, Davis said it sends a “signal” to people to not be “one of millions” and do something good for those around you. He said: “I always appreciate the invitation. It’s a chance for me to, in my small way, say thank you to people who have done great things for the community, for other people in selfless ways. I think it sends up a signal to other people saying don’t just be one of millions. Stand up and be counted and do something good, not just because someone asked you, because you want to and you think it’ll do good.”
The Pride of Britain Awards ceremony will be shown on ITV1 at 8pm on Thursday.
