Chris Columbus, who directed the first two Harry Potter films, has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding author JK Rowling and her remarks on transgender rights.
In an interview with Variety, Columbus said:
«I like to sometimes separate the artist from the art, I think that’s important to do. It’s unfortunate, what’s happened. I certainly don’t agree with what she’s talking about. But it’s just sad, it’s very sad.»
Rowling, who has denied being transphobic, has been criticized for her comments on gender identity, including her support of the UK Supreme Court ruling that trans women are not legally women under the Equality Act, and for questioning the use of hormones in gender transitions.
Columbus confirmed he will not be involved in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter reboot series, despite Rowling serving as executive producer.
«No, I’ve done it, you saw my version,» he said. «There’s nothing left for me to do in the world of Potter.»
Still, he endorsed the project, saying:
«The great thing about it is that with the first and second and third book, we wanted to do it all. We wanted to bring all of that onto the screen, and we didn’t have the opportunity.»
Since 2019, Rowling has sparked heated debate over transgender issues, launching the JK Rowling Women’s Fund earlier this year to support «sex-based rights» for women. The move prompted protests, including some bookstores pulling Harry Potter books.
Cast members Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have also distanced themselves from Rowling’s views, with the author responding that she would not forgive their criticism and telling them to «save their apologies.»
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Netflix is set to give the late-summer box office an unexpected boost with special sing-along screenings of its animated blockbuster KPop Demon Hunters.
