Andrew Garfield Reveals He Only Watched the Harry Potter Movies 'Recently' While Refusing to Say J.K. Rowling's Name
Andrew Garfield Reveals He Only Watched the Harry Potter Movies 'Recently' While Refusing to Say J.K. Rowling's Name
Charlotte PhillippFri, March 27, 2026 at 5:28 PM UTC
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Andrew Garfield; J.K. Rowling.Credit: Grant Buchanan/Dave Benett/WireImage; Taylor Hill/FilmMagic -
Andrew Garfield is opening up about his decision to watch the Harry Potter films for the very first time and sharing some criticism of author J.K. Rowling
During an interview on March 26, the Amazing Spider-Man alum shared praise for cast and crew members who worked on the films while also seemingly criticizing Rowling
"You can't throw the baby out with the bathwater," Garfield said. "There are so many beautiful artists that worked on those films"
Andrew Garfield is opening up about his decision to watch the Harry Potter films for the very first time — while opting not to name author J.K. Rowling.
During an appearance on Hits Radio on Thursday, March 26, the Amazing Spider-Man alum, 42, revealed that he had never seen the hit franchise movies until recently and shared some praise for original Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe as well as many other cast and crew members who worked on the films, while also seemingly criticizing Rowling and referring to her as "she that shall remain nameless."
"Daniel is so goddamn good. Honestly, I hadn’t watched the Harry Potter movies until recently," the actor shared. "He's really good in those movies. Those Harry Potter movies are really good."
"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… the essence of the themes of those films and the kids and the artisans and the craft people," he continued. "I'm working with a wonderful makeup artist, Claire, who worked on the creatures… you can't throw the baby out with the bathwater. There are so many beautiful artists that worked on those films. I have a newfound appreciation for all of the artists."
Andrew Garfield on September 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.Credit: Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty
The Harry Potter series is currently being remade as an HBO TV series. The first trailer for the project was released on Wednesday, just one day after the streamer shared the first official photo of newcomer Dominic McLaughlin as the titular character, donning a Gryffindor Quidditch robe.
Rowling, who released her first Potter book in 1997 before the film series began in 2001, has faced backlash over her repeated comments about the transgender community.
When the upcoming TV series went into development with Rowling involved, the network released a statement saying that the author "has a right to express her personal views."
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"We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter — the heartwarming books that speak to power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views," HBO said in the statement, per Variety. "We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement."
Several actors from the original film series have spoken out about Rowling's controversial comments over the years, including Radcliffe, who in April 2024 told The Atlantic that her views have made him feel "really sad."
HBO's 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.'Credit: Aidan Monaghan/HBO
"I do look at the person that I met, the times that we met, and the books that she wrote and the world that she created, and all of that is to me so deeply empathic," Radcliffe, 36, said.
"Obviously Harry Potter would not have happened without her, so nothing in my life would have probably happened the way it is without that person. But that doesn’t mean that you owe the things you truly believe to someone else for your entire life," he added at the time.
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Production began in July on the new series, which will adapt each of the seven books into separate seasons of television. The eight-episode season 1 is titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
A logline reads: "There is nothing special about Harry Potter — at least that's what his Aunt Petunia always says. On his 11th birthday, a letter of admittance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry opens up a hidden world for Harry: one of fun, friendship and magic. But with this new adventure comes great risk as Harry is forced to face a dangerous enemy from his past."
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