Keira Knightley recently disclosed her unawareness of the “boycott” surrounding the Harry Potter universe before joining its new audiobook series.
In September, Deadline announced Knightley’s role as Professor Umbridge in Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions, produced by Pottermore Publishing and Audible. Now, Knightley has addressed the controversy, a month after her casting news.
“I wasn’t aware of it, no. I’m very sorry,” Knightley told a media outlet, as reported by Deadline, when questioned about the boycott. “We are all navigating a time where we must learn to coexist, right? We all hold different views. I hope we can find mutual respect.”
The franchise faced backlash after J.K. Rowling’s remarks were seen as anti-trans.
Over 400 film and TV industry professionals signed a letter urging stronger trans rights in the UK after her statements.
Among them was actor Paapa Essiedu, who will portray Professor Snape in HBO Max’s upcoming Harry Potter series.
Rowling has said she “worked closely” with the writers and pitched the series to Warner Bros. Television, acting as an executive producer through her company, Brontë Film and TV.
According to Deadline, HBO’s Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys confirmed her role, stating, “She’s an executive producer on the show. Her insights will be valuable.”
Addressing the controversy, Bloys added, “Our focus is on what’s on the screen. The Harry Potter story is fundamentally positive, about love and self-acceptance. That’s our focus—what’s on screen.”
