While the Harry Potter TV series is currently drawing major attention due to several leaked set photos, it’s not the only project from the Wizarding World in the works. Alongside the upcoming show, Audible is producing a full-cast recording of the Harry Potter novels, featuring an impressive lineup of more than 200 actors. Among them is Keira Knightley, who voices Dolores Umbridge in Harry Potter: The Full Cast Audio Editions and has recently issued an apology to those advocating for a boycott of anything associated with author J.K. Rowling.
Knightley joins a star-studded ensemble that includes Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore, Matthew Macfadyen as Lord Voldemort, Riz Ahmed as Professor Snape, Michelle Gomez as Professor McGonagall, Kit Harington as Professor Lockhart, Simon Pegg as Arthur Weasley, and James McAvoy as Mad-Eye Moody. In a recent interview with Decider, the Pirates of the Caribbean actress was asked whether she was aware of the growing boycott movement against Rowling-related projects. She responded that she was not, saying, “Knightley said that she was not.”
I was not aware of that, no. I’m very sorry. I think we’re all living in a period of time right now where we’re all going to have to figure out how to live together, aren’t we? And we’ve all got very different opinions. I hope that we can all find respect.
The statement comes across as predictably diplomatic, since, at the end of the day, actors have to make a living — and being part of a Harry Potter audiobook is a major opportunity, regardless of the controversies surrounding the franchise’s creator.
As Knightley noted, we all share the same world, and while everyone is entitled to their own opinions, some people tend to believe that only their perspective is the correct one. This sentiment currently applies to both J.K. Rowling and those calling for boycotts of her work.
Rowling’s increasingly vocal stance on anti-trans issues has often placed her at the center of controversy, with critics just as outspoken in condemning her views.
The debate reignited recently after Emma Watson discussed her relationship with Rowling. Watson shared that she would always cherish her experiences working on the Harry Potter films and her time with Rowling, but felt the need to separate those memories from the current situation. In response, Rowling criticized Watson as “ignorant” about life, claiming that the actress had achieved fame and fortune early on without facing the same struggles she herself endured.
The discussion continues to resurface periodically, and given Rowling’s deep involvement in all things Harry Potter—as well as her frequent social media commentary on transgender rights—it’s clear that this controversy isn’t fading anytime soon.
Source: Decider