JK Rowling slams 'Harry Potter' director for saying cast reunion ‘impossible’ due to her views on gender

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: JK Rowling fired back on social media after director Chris Columbus, who directed the first two 'Harry Potter' movies, claimed that controversy over her views on gender has made a cast reunion “impossible.” 

Columbus joined stars like Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson in criticizing Rowling’s stance on gender identity, further highlighting the growing divide between the author and key figures from the iconic film franchise.

JK Rowling doubles down on gender views in response to 'Harry Potter' director

In a fiery post on X (formerly Twitter), JK Rowling didn’t hold back as she responded to director Chris Columbus, who recently expressed disappointment over her views on gender and sex.

“As another man who once worked with me declares himself saddened by my beliefs on gender and sex, I thought it might be useful to compile a list for handy reference,” she wrote.

Rowling outlined her core positions, asking rhetorically, “Is it my belief that women and girls should have their own public changing rooms and bathrooms? That women should retain female-only rape crisis centres? That men don’t belong in women’s sport?”

She continued with sharper questions, “That female prisoners shouldn’t be incarcerated with violent men and male sex offenders? That women should remain a protected class in law, because they have sex-specific needs and issues? That language should reflect reality rather than ideological jargon, especially in a medical context?”

Rowling went further, stating, “That women shouldn’t be harassed, persecuted or fired for refusing to pretend humans can change sex? That women should not be threatened with violence and rape when they assert their rights? That freedom of speech and belief are essential to a pluralistic democratic society?”

Known as one of the most prominent critics of the gender-identity movement since 2020, Rowling has consistently challenged terms like “people who menstruate” and voiced her concern over the direction of trans activism.

She also criticized left-wing political movements for embracing gender ideology at the expense of their own credibility.

“That troubled minors, especially those who are gay, autistic and trauma-experienced, should be given mental health support instead of irreversible surgeries and drug treatments on non-existent evidence of benefit?” she asked.

Rowling added that gay individuals should not be pressured to date across sexes or be branded “genital fetishists” for refusing to do so.

"That gay people shouldn’t be pressured to include the opposite sex in their dating pools, nor should they be smeared as ‘genital fetishists’ when they don’t?"

She concluded with a sharp jab: “Cross-dressing heterosexual male fetishists aren’t actually oppressed, but having the time of their lives piggybacking off gender identity ideology?” She blamed what she called “privileged, blinkered fools” for inflicting more damage on the political left’s reputation than figures like Donald Trump or Nigel Farage ever could.

Chris Columbus says reunion of original 'Harry Potter' cast is 'never going to happen'

JK Rowling’s comments came after Chris Columbus told The Times (UK) that a reunion of the original 'Harry Potter' cast would be “impossible” due to the political controversy surrounding the author.

He shared, “It’s never going to happen. It’s gotten so complicated with all the political stuff. Everyone in the cast has their own opinion, which is different from her opinion, which makes it impossible."

Columbus also spoke about the ongoing controversy surrounding Rowling’s views on gender, telling Variety that while he tries to separate the artist from the art, he finds the situation "very sad" and disagrees with her stance.

“It’s unfortunate,” Columbus said. “I certainly don’t agree with what she’s talking about. But it’s just sad, it’s very sad."

Major cast members from the original 2001-2011 film series, including Radcliffe, Watson, and Rupert Grint, have publicly distanced themselves from Rowling, aligning themselves with transgender advocacy and expressing views contrary to hers.

One notable exception is actor Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy. He has declined to criticize Rowling and is set to reprise his role in the Broadway production of 'Harry Potter' and the 'Cursed Child,' opening this November.

When asked about Rowling’s gender views during the Tony Awards in June, Felton said he wasn’t closely involved in the debate but offered his appreciation for the author. “I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter,” he said. “She’s responsible for that, so I’m incredibly grateful.”

Internet reacts to JK Rowling's tweet on gender ideology

Within hours of JK Rowling sharing her views on gender while criticizing Chris Columbus, her post racked up over 8.1 million views and drew 6,700 comments — many of which expressed support for her stance.

"Your beliefs aren’t what makes them uncomfortable, it’s the fact that you voice them and don’t give a shite what anyone has to say about it.That terrifies them which is why they pass around the same script," wrote one social media user.

Another X user wrote mockingly, "The real test of their opposition to your beliefs would be to return all the money they earned based on your work. After all, it must be tainted."

One person while clarifying that all may not agree with her views wrote, "Many of us agree with you on these principles, even if we differ on specifics. Protecting women’s spaces, supporting vulnerable kids, and preserving free speech should be uncontroversial. The fact that stating them invites outrage shows how far the debate has drifted."

There were more such views in the comments section of her long-winded response to the director. One wrote in support of Rowling saying, "To name just a few of the 1492 reasons your courageous stance is justified. It’s fitting that these spineless filmmakers have bailed on the Harry Potter universe; after all, Hogwarts has no house for compliance, cowardice, and virtue signaling."

One fan thanked her for her commitment, writing, "Thank you for your steadfast commitment to women."

Another wrote espousing their support for Rowling, "Not one of those points is extreme — they’re just basic safeguarding, common sense, and the right to speak freely. The fact you’re vilified for saying them shows how broken the debate has become. You’ve got far more support than the media will ever admit.'"

An individual agreeing with Rowling shared on X, "All these.It's not truth in your statements that upset them.Because they aren't interpreted rationally. It's that they counter the narrative of genderism. This is a toxic secular religion, which convinces EMOTIVELY. Works on same underlying behaviours as eg fascism & communism."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.