Andrew Garfield Separates ‘Harry Potter’ Films From Author J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Views: ‘I Know It’s Controversial’

Andrew Garfield praised the art and acting on the beloved Harry Potter franchise, despite opposing creator J.K. Rowling’s “controversial” views.

“Daniel [Radcliffe] is so goddamn good,” the Amazing Spider-Man star , 42, said during a Wednesday, March 25, appearance on Hits Radio. “And honestly, I hadn’t watched [the Harry Potter films] until recently. He’s really good in those Harry Potter movies. Those Harry Potter movies are really good. I really liked them.”

“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, but the soul and spirit of a lot of the essence of the themes of those films,” he explained. “The kids are so good … and all the artisans.”

Garfield continued, “I’m working with a wonderful makeup artist right now, Clare [Le Vesconte] who was working in the creature workshop [on the films]. And I’m like, oh man, we can’t throw the baby out with the bathwater, there are so many beautiful artists who worked on those films.”

The Social Network actor’s remarks were shared the same day HBO released a two-minute trailer for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone series. 

Rowling — who has largely been considered “canceled” due to her staunchly anti-trans rhetoric — was thrilled by the preview clip.

“It’s going to be incredible. I’m so happy with it,” she shared via X on Thursday, just 30 minutes after praising the International Olympic Committee’s decision to ban transgender athletes from competing in upcoming games.