Andrew Garfield has revealed he only recently experienced the Harry Potter film series for the first time as he applauded the films while snubbing author JK Rowling.
Speaking on Hits Radio’s My Life in Movies programme, the Oscar-nominated actor expressed admiration for his fellow British star Daniel Radcliffe’s work in the franchise.
“Honestly, I hadn’t watched the Harry Potter movies until recently,” Mr Garfield told host Olivia Marks.
“He’s really good in those movies. Those Harry Potter movies are really good.”
JK Rowling has been condemned by several Harry Potter stars | GETTY
However, the 42-year-old Spider-Man star notably avoided mentioning the series’ creator by name, a pointed omission that quickly drew attention given the ongoing controversy surrounding the author.
Mr Garfield made his feelings about Ms Rowling abundantly clear through a deliberate reference to the Harry Potter villain Lord Voldemort, who characters in the books and films refer to as “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.”
“I know it’s controversial and we shouldn’t be putting money in the pocket of inhumane legislation right now through she that shall remain nameless,” the actor stated during the interview.
The pointed remark appears to reference Ms Rowling’s financial contributions to organisations such as For Women Scotland, which played a role in influencing the April 2025 UK Supreme Court ruling that defined “woman” based on biological sex.
Andrew Garfield slammed JK Rowling in a recent interview
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Mr Garfield expressed discomfort with the cultural position the franchise now occupies given its creator’s views.
Despite his criticism of Ms Rowling, Mr Garfield maintained a nuanced stance on the franchise itself, arguing that the work of countless talented individuals should not be dismissed.
“We can’t throw the baby out with the bathwater,” he explained. “There are so many beautiful artists that worked on those films. I have a newfound appreciation for all of the artists.”
The actor noted he is currently collaborating with a makeup artist named Claire who previously worked on the creatures featured in the Harry Potter productions.
JK Rowling has an executive credit on the upcoming Harry Potter HBO series | GETTY
Mr Garfield also praised what he described as “the soul and spirit” and “the essence of the themes” present in the films, suggesting the material’s core messages remain valuable regardless of its creator’s subsequent public statements.
“The kids and all the artisans and the crafts people,” he added, highlighting the collaborative nature of the beloved film series.
Ms Rowling has faced sustained criticism since 2019 and 2020 following a series of social media posts in which she conflated sex with gender and defended positions that critics have characterised as transphobic.
The author has donated millions to anti-trans organisations and has remained defiant about her stance.
JK Rowling has been snubbed by the Harry Potter cast previously | PA
She stated on her podcast The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling in 2023: “I absolutely knew that if I spoke out, many people who would love my books would be deeply unhappy with me.”
The Harry Potter cast has been divided on the matter.
Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, John Cleese and Tom Felton have publicly defended Ms Rowling, whilst others including Mr Radcliffe have distanced themselves from her views.
The franchise continues with an HBO television adaptation scheduled for release in December 2026.