Andrew Garfield has said that watching the Harry Potter films for the first time was "controversial" because of the views of author J.K. Rowling. The actor, promoting his new film The Magic Faraway Tree, told Hits Radio's My Life In Movies that he enjoyed the films but acknowledged the ethical dilemma.
Without naming Rowling directly, Garfield referenced "she that shall remain nameless" and said viewers should think twice about "putting money in the pocket of inhumane legislation". His comment is believed to refer to Rowling's donations to For Women Scotland, a group that successfully brought a legal challenge over the definition of "woman" in UK equality law, leading to a 2025 Supreme Court ruling that it refers to biological sex.
Garfield praised the performances of the child actors, particularly Daniel Radcliffe, but said the "soul and spirit" of the films' themes were worth considering. His remarks come as HBO releases a trailer for its upcoming Harry Potter television series, which Rowling has endorsed, calling it "incredible".
Rowling has been vocal on transgender issues, most recently applauding the International Olympic Committee's decision to ban transgender women from women's events. Garfield's comments add to ongoing debate about separating art from the artist's politics.
