David Tennant has reignited his feud with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling during a recent event at Planet Comicon in Kansas City, where he made a cheeky reference to their differing views on transgender rights. The two-time Emmy Award winner was asked if he would consider appearing in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, a reboot of Rowling's beloved novels set to debut on HBO Max in late 2026, which is currently in the casting phase with only John Lithgow confirmed to play Albus Dumbledore.
In response to the question, Tennant, who famously portrayed Death Eater Barty Crouch Jr. in the 2005 film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, remarked, “I mean, they’re great stories. I feel like my contribution has probably been made.” This noncommittal answer was delivered with a light-hearted jab when he added, “I’m told there’s an executive producer who doesn’t love me on that show,” prompting laughter and applause from the audience.
Though he did not mention Rowling by name, it was clear he was alluding to her role as an executive producer on the series and their public disagreements over transgender rights. The two have clashed in the past, notably when Tennant accepted the Celebrity Ally award at the British LGBT Awards last year, where he criticized anti-trans views. During that speech, he made headlines by urging the then-equalities minister Kemi Badenoch to “shut up” regarding her comments about transgender issues.
Tennant did not hold back, describing those with anti-trans sentiments as “a tiny bunch of little whinging f**kers who are on the wrong side of history,” and stated that “they’ll all go away soon.” These outspoken remarks drew a strong response from Rowling, who took to X/Twitter to question why Tennant had not faced more backlash, labeling him as part of the “gender Taliban” due to his advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
In a twist of irony, Badenoch later reacted to Tennant’s comments by insisting, “I will not shut up. I will not be silenced by men who prioritise applause from Stonewall over the safety of women and girls.” This feud took a political turn when Badenoch became the leader of the Conservative Party in November 2024, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak amid Labour’s historic election victory.
Rowling’s criticism didn’t stop there; after Badenoch’s election as party leader, she commented on social media, stating, “My thoughts and prayers are with David Tennant at this very difficult time,” further stoking the long-standing rivalry.
Despite the back-and-forth between Tennant, Rowling, and Badenoch, Tennant has remained steadfast in his support for trans rights. Last autumn, he was quoted on the Happy Place podcast with Fearne Cotton stating, “In terms of anything I say in support of the LGBTQ+ community, it just feels like common sense. I find it ludicrous how some of those conversations have been weaponized.”
Tennant’s comments and Rowling’s repeated critiques highlight the broader cultural tensions surrounding transgender issues, particularly as media narratives continue to shift. As a prominent figure in both the entertainment and LGBTQ+ advocacy spaces, Tennant's enthusiasm for trans rights stands in stark contrast to Rowling's increasingly controversial positions.
With the Harry Potter reboot approaching and both actors and fans closely watching how Rowling's involvement will unfold, many are left speculating how the series will navigate the heated discussions on representation and inclusivity within the franchise. Tennant's quips may have not only reignited his feud with the author but have also reignited discussions about the future of the Harry Potter brand in this divisive climate.
As tensions simmer, Tennant’s ability to relate the need for sensitivity towards changing societal norms with comedic timing reveals much about the current landscape of celebrity culture. The actor's steadfastness in supporting marginalized communities while navigating his past role in a franchise that sits at the intersection of global popularity and increasing scrutiny highlights the complexities of public personas in today’s social climate.
In this context, Tennant's humorous take on his past involvement in the Harry Potter franchise may serve as an essential conversation starter among fans and advocates alike, challenging both long-standing narratives and creating room for dialogue. As fans await the reboot, the interplay between nostalgia and evolving discussions around inclusivity and advocacy will likely remain a focal point of conversation.
David Tennant’s remarks resonate far beyond the realms of P.C. conversation, echoing the sentiments of many who advocate for a more just and equitable society for all.
