The upcoming series, slated for a 2027 release, has sparked widespread attention online—though not all of it has been positive.
Warner Bros. recently unveiled a new cast lineup, featuring John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Nick Frost as Hagrid, and Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall. However, several prominent actors have already distanced themselves from the project.
Much of the hesitation stems from the series’ continued association with J.K. Rowling. Her controversial statements on transgender issues have drawn sustained criticism and continue to cast a shadow over the franchise.
The debate was reignited following a recent ruling by the U.K. Supreme Court, which upheld the right to exclude transgender women from the legal definition of ‘woman’ under the Equality Act. Rowling openly applauded the decision, further straining her relationship with critics and some former Harry Potter cast members.
Daniel Radcliffe, who famously portrayed Harry Potter in the original film series, was among the first to distance himself from the upcoming reboot.
A longtime supporter of the transgender community, Radcliffe has publicly disagreed with J.K. Rowling’s views on gender identity. In response to her claim that he was aligning with a movement “intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights,” Radcliffe expressed his disappointment, saying, “It makes me really sad, ultimately,” highlighting the difficult contrast between the author he once looked up to and the current controversy surrounding her.
When asked by E! News about potentially returning for the reboot, Radcliffe replied, “I don’t think so; I think they very wisely want to [get] a clean break.”
Nicola Coughlan, widely recognized for her performances in Derry Girls and Bridgerton, has voiced strong opposition to the reboot.
In response to J.K. Rowling’s reaction to the recent court ruling, Coughlan took to Instagram, writing, “Keep your new Harry Potter, lads. Wouldn’t touch it with a 10ft pole.”
She also demonstrated her support for the trans community by helping raise over £100,000 for the charity Not A Phase, expressing deep concern over the ruling and its impact on trans rights.
Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang is among the actors distancing themselves from the reboot.
In a candid social media post following the recent ruling, he stated, “A big f*** you to J.K. Rowling.”
Yang, who is openly gay, has been outspoken about the trauma he experienced during conversion therapy and continues to be a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Even Jared Harris, son of the late Richard Harris—the original Dumbledore—has turned down any involvement in the project.
When asked whether he’d consider stepping into his father’s iconic role, Harris replied simply: “No, thank you.”
Speaking to The Independent, he questioned the need for a reboot altogether: “The films were fantastic – leave them alone.”
Despite the backlash, HBO remains committed to moving forward with the series and has defended J.K. Rowling’s continued involvement, telling Variety: “J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views.”
The controversy highlights the growing rift between the franchise’s creator and many of its former stars and fans.
For a number of actors, choosing not to return isn’t just a career move – it’s a deeply personal and political decision.
