It is a strange time for Harry Potter fans. There is a new TV show on the way and now a new all-star cast recording of the seven novels about the boy wizard and his battle against the dark forces of Lord Voldemort, but there is also a continued cloud hanging over the franchise thanks to the continued discourse around author J.K. Rowling and her views on the transgender community. In a recent announcement, Michelle Gomez was announced as the latest star to take on the role of Hogwarts teacher Minerva McGonagall, and the actress felt it necessary to share a statement with her transgender fans after more online backlash.
Gomez will be the third person to be cast in the role of the icy educator, following the inimitable Maggie Smith, who played the character in the movie franchise, and Janet McTeer, who will take over the role in the HBO TV series. Gomez will lend her voice to McGonagall in Audible’s new Harry Potter: The Full Cast Audio Editions project. After the announcement, Gomez said on her Instagram account:
“To my LGBTQ+ fans, and especially the trans community: I want to speak directly to the concerns that have been raised about my involvement in this project. I hear you, and I understand why this is painful for many. I want to be clear that I stand with trans people, and I support trans rights – fully and without hesitation.
“When I accepted this role, I did so as someone who has always loved the stories and what they meant to so many – especially those who found comfort and identity in that world. I now understand more clearly how deeply complicated and hurtful this association can feel, and I take that seriously. Being an ally means listening even when it’s uncomfortable and taking accountability where it’s needed. I’m committed to doing both.”
Harry Potter and the Transgender Conundrum
In the last few decades, there have been many instances of the actions of actors and musicians that have left stains on movies, music, and whole franchises that are hard to remove or ignore in these days when everyone has an opinion to share and a wide open internet to share it on.
In 2019, Joker stirred controversy for using a Gary Glitter song on its soundtrack, with the convicted sex offender’s songs having been on a blacklist for years. More recently, Neil Gaiman’s TV shows have suffered after he was accused of assault offenses that are yet to be fully resolved. While Rowling has not committed this kind of lawbreaking crime, her controversial views on transgender rights have been constantly debated on social media for more than two years.
This has seen many calls for all Harry Potter projects to be boycotted, one bookstore banned the books from their shelves, and every new announcement about the upcoming TV show was bombarded with negative reactions. While none of this has had any impact on the progression of the series, or indeed the new audiobook, it does suggest that, as Rowling continues to make money from her magical creations, there are many who are not willing to separate the art from the artist, and that is going to continue to cause a headache for Warner Bros. for a long time to come.
Harry Potter
- Showrunner
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Francisca Gardiner
- Directors
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Mark Mylod
- Writers
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Francesca Gardiner
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