Los Angeles, March 27 – Hollywood actor Andrew Garfield has revealed that he only recently watched the ‘Harry Potter’ movie franchise. The actor said that he is aware it is a controversial decision given author J.K. Rowling‘s anti-trans views.
The Oscar nominee wouldn’t even say her name, referring to Rowling instead as “she who shall remain nameless” in an apparent nod to the villainous Voldemort, reports ‘Variety’.
The actor also noted that Daniel Radcliffe‘s performance is so great and the artistry on display so beautiful that one can’t just outright dismiss the films because of Rowling.
He said, “Daniel is so damn good. Honestly, I hadn’t watched the ‘Harry Potter’ movies until recently. He’s really good in those movies. Those ‘Harry Potter’ movies are really good. I know it’s controversial and we shouldn’t be putting money in the pocket of inhumane legislation right now through she that shall remain nameless, but the soul and spirit. The essence of the themes of those films and the kids and the artisans and the craft people”.
He further mentioned, “I’m working with a wonderful makeup artist, Claire, who worked on the creature, you can’t throw the baby out of the bathwater. There are so many beautiful artists that worked on those films. I have a newfound appreciation for all of the artists, and Daniel is great”.
As per ‘Variety’, ‘Harry Potter’ is currently being rebooted as an HBO television series, the first trailer for which debuted online this month to much fanfare.
Several of the actors in the show have been questioned about joining the franchise despite its creator’s anti-trans views. Dumbledore actor John Lithgow told The New York Times he nearly quit due to the backlash he received over being associated with Rowling.
He stayed on because the ‘Harry Potter’ books themselves were “clearly on the side of the angels, against intolerance and bigotry”, something Garfield noted when he spoke of “the essence” of the franchise’s themes.