In a startling exchange that has reignited tensions between J.K. Rowling and the beloved stars of the Harry Potter film franchise, the author recently made a pointed remark on social media that many interpreted as a dig at Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. The controversy stems from Rowling's ongoing feud with the trio, who have publicly criticized her views on transgender rights.
On March 19, 2025, Rowling responded to a post on X (formerly Twitter) that asked, “What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?” She replied, “Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible,” adding laughing emojis. This message quickly garnered over 10 million views, fueled public speculation that she was referring to the three actors who played the iconic roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron in the film adaptations of her bestselling books.
The backdrop of this social media exchange is a fraught relationship marked by Rowling's controversial statements regarding gender identity, which have led to accusations of transphobia against her. In previous remarks, Rowling has asserted that transgender women are not women, which directly contradicts the statements made by her former stars who have staunchly supported the transgender community.
Over the years, Radcliffe has expressed remorse over any distress caused to the transgender community as a result of Rowling's comments. In a public letter published through The Trevor Project, he articulated his support for trans rights, stating, “Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people.” Similarly, Watson has voiced her commitment to the rights of trans individuals, affirming on social media that “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned.” Grint echoed this sentiment, also voicing his strong support for the trans community.
The schism between Rowling and her former collaborators traces back to 2020 when she shared a post mocking the phrase “people who menstruate,” used to promote inclusivity in the conversation about women and menstruation rights. Her comments sparked severe backlash, including from Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint, who took to social media to publicly distance themselves from her views.
In response to the outrage, Rowling doubled down, claiming she feels “nothing but empathy and solidarity with trans women who've been abused by men,” yet she drew lines around her beliefs that trans women in women's spaces compromise safety. She expressed her determination not to forgive the actors for their opposition to her views, and in early 2021, stated they could “save their apologies” for those who have been adversely affected by the trans activism she criticized.
As recently as April 2024, Rowling made headlines following a study about puberty blockers, which reignited the debate over her controversial views. When fans reached out, questioning whether her former stars would apologize for their public statements against her, she replied that it was “not safe” to expect any reconciliations, further cementing the divide.
The fallout from this ongoing dispute is a mixed bag of support and criticism for both Rowling and the actors. While some fans defend Rowling, arguing that she is entitled to express her views on women’s rights, others call for boycotting any new projects she is involved with, particularly the HBO Max reboot of Harry Potter.
Warner Bros, which produced the Harry Potter films, has remained publicly supportive of Rowling, stating that she has the right to express her personal views. This backing casts a long shadow over the anticipated reboot, highlighting acute tensions across the fan base regarding the franchise's future.
As of now, Rowling appears unwilling to reconcile her differences with Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint, instead choosing to leverage her social media platforms to express her opinions candidly, which keeps the conversation—and controversy—alive.
In their respective public comments, the actors have consistently aimed to respect the trans community. Radcliffe, who has had no direct contact with Rowling since the fallout erupted, noted, “I do look at the person that I met... and the world that she created, and all of that is to me so deeply empathic.” This reflects his nostalgic ties to the widely beloved franchise while also advocating for equality and acceptance for marginalized members of society.
As excitement grows for the impending Harry Potter reboot, the friction involving Rowling and her former stars adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The actor’s previous identities as heroes in a magical world contrast sharply with their current roles in a real-world social dialogue about acceptance, diversity, and human rights.
With each tweet and statement, both J.K. Rowling and her actors deepen the ongoing saga of a once-celebrated collaboration that now exists in discord. Only time will tell how these fractures affect their legacies and the Harry Potter universe).
