Johnny Flynn has faced fierce criticism for what social media users branded a “spineless” response when questioned about JK Rowling’s controversial stance on transgender issues.
The 42-year-old British actor, cast as the villainous Lucius Malfoy in HBO’s forthcoming Harry Potter television adaptation, addressed the subject during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter promoting his film A Prayer for the Dying.
“Obviously, there’s quite a lot of stuff around Jo Rowling,” the actor remarked.
“I suppose that’s been quite interesting to navigate, the conversations there, but all important conversations to have.”
Johnny Flynn skirted around JK Rowling’s comments
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Rather than elaborating further, Mr Flynn pivoted to praising the production’s working environment, describing the “special atmosphere” created by showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod.
The backlash on X, formerly Twitter, was swift and unforgiving.
“Do these people not realise it doesn’t f****** matter how nice the set is? They’re lining JK Rowling’s pockets,” one user wrote.
Another pointed out: “You know who isn’t having a great time? Trans people in the UK. [The actors involved are] helping someone who gives so much of her money to make their lives harder.”
Mr Flynn pivoted to praising the production’s working environment
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One user on X called the actor out for agreeing to partake in the reboot in the first instance, penning: “For my fellow JK Rowling haters, bully and tear down Johnny Flynn as much as you want for participating in this show despite knowing how much of a transphobe she is…”
Ms Rowling, who serves as executive producer on the HBO series, confirmed last year that she donated to For Women Scotland, the gender-critical organisation whose legal campaign led to the Supreme Court ruling that “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex.
The author subsequently established the JK Rowling Women’s Fund, financed through her personal income, including Harry Potter earnings, to support further gender-critical legal challenges.
Mr Flynn, previously recognised for his performances in Channel 4’s Lovesick and the 2020 adaptation of Emma opposite Anya Taylor-Joy, takes over the role originally portrayed by Jason Isaacs in the film franchise.
JK Rowling has long been labelled transphobic for he views
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PAThe actor revealed that Lucius Malfoy will appear in the first season despite the character not featuring in the book series until the second instalment.
Speaking about his young co-star Lox Pratt, who portrays his on-screen son Draco, Flynn described the 14-year-old as “really cool” and “grounded”.
He expressed optimism that the show’s younger cast members “will have better treatment than previous generations”.
Mr Flynn acknowledged the intermittent filming schedule presents challenges, noting it is “quite a thing to go do a day and then have a month or so [off]” before returning to find established relationships among the ensemble.
Meanwhile, former Harry Potter film star Rupert Grint has indicated he will soon speak publicly on political matters.
At a press conference for his new fantasy horror film Nightborn at the Berlin Film Festival on Saturday, the actor who played Ron Weasley across all eight original films was questioned about rising fascism in Britain.
Johnny Flynn will play Lucius Malfoy in the new series
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“Obviously, I’m against it,” Mr Grint responded. “But I mean, I choose my moments when to speak. But yeah, it’s hugely relevant now… You’ll hear from me.”
The 36-year-old, whose co-star Emma Watson is currently studying at Oxford University, has maintained a relatively low profile since the franchise concluded in 2011.
Ms Watson’s public disagreement with JK Rowling over transgender rights has unfolded over several years, moving from early statements of support for trans people in 2020 to a more reflective stance in 2025.
After Rowling’s comments sparked controversy, Ms Watson voiced support for the trans community and backed related charities.
She later appeared to reaffirm that position at the Bafta Awards in 2022, before saying in 2025 on On Purpose with Jay Shetty that she still values Ms Rowling personally despite their opposing views, and regrets they never reconciled directly.