‘Harry Potter’ Star Condemns JK Rowling in Scathing New Comments
Another Harry Potter actor has publicly challenged JK Rowling.
The author has spent much of the past six years at the center of controversy over her comments on sex and gender identity, repeatedly defending her position while rejecting accusations that her views are transphobic.
That debate has increasingly spilled into the Harry Potter franchise itself. Several actors from the original films have publicly distanced themselves from Rowling’s views, while HBO’s upcoming television reboot has brought renewed attention to her continuing involvement in the Wizarding World.
This week, the disagreement widened again after Sean Biggerstaff, who played Oliver Wood in the original movies, responded directly to Rowling on X.
Sean Biggerstaff Takes Aim at JK Rowling
The exchange began on August 20, when Rowling posted a message comparing criticism on X to someone punching former heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson in a bar.
“If you walked up to Mike Tyson in a bar and punched him in the face, I doubt ‘you can’t hit back because I’m so puny!’ would save you from consequences. Same on X. If you want to punch me in public but don’t want to risk a brain injury in return, stick to your own weight class.”
If you walked up to Mike Tyson in a bar and punched him in the face, I doubt ‘you can’t hit back because I’m so puny!’ would save you from consequences.
Same on X. If you want to punch me in public but don’t want to risk a brain injury in return, stick to your own weight class.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) August 20, 2026
Biggerstaff responded directly to the post.
“This is extraordinarily embarrassing,” he wrote in a direct response to Rowling. “Listen to yourself, for God’s sake.”
Rowling has not publicly responded to Biggerstaff’s message.
Biggerstaff appeared in the first two Harry Potter films as Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor Quidditch captain who introduces Harry to the sport and later helps lead the house team.
His criticism follows years of public disagreement between Rowling and some of the franchise’s most recognizable actors.
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have all voiced support for transgender people since Rowling’s views first became a major source of controversy.
This is extraordinarily embarrassing. Listen to yourself, for God's sake.
— Sean Biggerstaff (@Seanchuckle) August 20, 2026
In 2020, Rowling drew backlash after mocking the phrase “people who menstruate” and arguing that biological sex cannot be erased.
She later published a lengthy essay expanding on her concerns about gender identity, medical transition, and single-sex spaces. Rowling has repeatedly denied that her views are transphobic.
Her social media commentary has continued since then.
In 2024, Rowling publicly challenged Scotland’s new hate crime legislation, describing several trans women as men and daring authorities to arrest her over the posts.
Her relationship with former Harry Potter cast members has also become increasingly strained.
In September 2025, Watson discussed the dispute during an appearance on Jay Shetty’s podcast.
She said there was “no world in which I could ever cancel her out,” adding that she could still “treasure Jo” despite their differing views.
Watson also expressed disappointment that the pair had never been able to discuss their disagreement directly.
Rowling responded days later.
She accused Watson of participating in the “trashing of women’s rights,” described the actress as “ignorant of how ignorant she is,” and rejected the idea that Watson could publicly criticize her while preserving their previous relationship.
Rowling also addressed Watson and Radcliffe. “Emma and Dan in particular have both made it clear over the last few years that they think our former professional association gives them a particular right – nay, obligation – to critique me and my views in public. Years after they finished acting in Potter, they continue to assume the role of de facto spokespeople for the world I created.”
Grint was not mentioned in the post, despite previously speaking in support of transgender people.
Biggerstaff’s latest comments now bring another member of the original cast into the public dispute.
Harry Potter Controversy Continues Ahead of HBO Reboot
The latest exchange comes at a significant moment for the franchise.
HBO is preparing to launch its new Harry Potter television adaptation in December, beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
The series uses the original British title rather than Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, as the first book and film are known in the United States and several other countries.
Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, with Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.
The adult cast includes John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore (who has openly discussed his mixed feelings towards Rowling), Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid.
Lox Pratt has been cast as Draco Malfoy, while Johnny Flynn plays Lucius Malfoy and Katherine Parkinson takes on Molly Weasley.
Bel Powley and Daniel Rigby will play Petunia and Vernon Dursley.
Warwick Davis is also returning to the franchise as Hogwarts professor Filius Flitwick, reprising a character he played in the original film series.
HBO is already moving ahead with the show’s second season.
Nicholas Hoult has joined the cast as Gilderoy Lockhart, a major character in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
The production is also seeking a new Ginny Weasley following Gracie Cochrane’s departure after filming Season 1.
Ginny was played by Bonnie Wright in the original films and became particularly important during the events of Chamber of Secrets.
Rowling remains an executive producer on the HBO series, ensuring her involvement in the franchise continues despite the criticism surrounding her public comments.
HBO has defended her role and said her views have not influenced casting or hiring decisions on the production.
What do you think of Sean Biggerstaff’s response to JK Rowling?
