The Harry Potter franchise has been an important half of popular culture for many years now, beginning with J.Okay. Rowling’s novels and rising into the beloved motion pictures, theme park sights, video video games, and even stage performs. However some followers have been backing away from the Wizarding World, because of the continuing controversy surrounding creator J.Okay. Rowling. And not too long ago Rowling spoke about fearing for her “security” after her notorious feedback about transgender ladies, however says some Potter followers “had been grateful.”
The controversy surrounding J.Okay. Rowling dates again years, and is targeted on numerous tweets she posted which many deemed to be transphobic. The messaging was all extra disheartening as a result of so many queer folks had recognized with the story of Harry Potter, and it themes of other-ness and acceptance. Because of this, the main solid of Harry Potter has come out in assist of the trans group, together with Daniel Radcliffe. Rowling is collaborating in a brand new podcast which is known as The Witch Trials of J.Okay. Rowling (opens in new tab), the place she addressed fearing for her security within the midst of this backlash. As she put it,
I completely knew that if I spoke out many individuals who had cherished my books could be deeply sad with me. I knew that. I knew as a result of I might see that they believed they had been residing the values that I espoused in these books. I might inform they believed they had been combating for underdog and distinction and equity. And I believed it could be simpler to not, that this may very well be actually unhealthy. And truthfully it has been unhealthy. Personally, it has not been enjoyable. And I’ve been scared at instances for my security and overwhelmingly for my household’s security.
Since J.Okay. Rowling made her feedback about intercourse and gender, theres’s been fairly constant backlash on-line, with some Potter followers abandoning the Wizarding World altogether. However plainly the net discourse has additionally made her worry for the security of herself and her household. It’s possible because of this that sure Harry Potter stars like Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter have taken umbrage with the backlash.
Later within the latest episode of the podcast titled “The Tweets,” J.Okay. Rowling did admit that she may very well be mistaken in her views about gender and intercourse. Whereas she’s additionally doubled down in current months, she claims to be properly researched and knowledgeable in her views. In Rowling’s phrases:
Time will inform whether or not I’ve received this mistaken. I can solely say that I’ve thought of it deeply an dhard and lengthy and I’ve listened, I promise, to the opposite facet. And I consider completely that there’s something harmful about this motion and it have to be challenged.
Regardless of the backlash that’s surrounding J.Okay. Rowling over current years, she additionally claims that some corners of the Harry Potter fandom have really praised her sentiments. Rowling’s controversial views additionally got here with revelations she made about her personal historical past with sexual assault. Because the creator/screenwriter put it:
However on the similar time, I’ve to inform you, a ton of Potter followers had been nonetheless with me. And actually, a ton of Potter followers had been grateful that I’d mentioned what I mentioned.
There are extra episodes of the podcast taking place, the place J.Okay. Rowling will additional be capable of share her facet of the assorted controversies that surrounds her. Regardless, Warner Bros. has reaffirmed its dedication to working with Rowling on future Harry Potter tasks. And if the online game gross sales for Hogwarts Legacy are any indication, there nonetheless are loads of followers who haven’t deserted the Wizarding World. Nonetheless, there are others who consider that Rowling is scapegoating the trans group, and focusing on a demographic who’s notoriously weak.
It’s presently unclear when Harry Potter will return to theaters, because the Implausible Beasts motion pictures seem like they’ve come to an early finish. Within the meantime, try the 2023 film launch dates to plan your subsequent film expertise.
