Emma Watson says she won’t cancel JK Rowling in new interview, citing enduring memories and a complex history

Emma Watson says she would not cancel JK Rowling, even as she dissents with the author’s views on transgender rights, in a candid appearance on the Jake Shetty podcast. The remarks address a long-running dispute that has drawn renewed attention since Rowling’s controversial essay on trans rights. Watson and Daniel Radcliffe, who also starred in the Harry Potter films, had previously spoken out against Rowling after the essay was published.

Watson described the relationship with Rowling as complex but not disposable, saying the past cannot be erased. She stressed that the connection should remain true and that the memories formed during the Potter years will endure regardless of what the author says in the future. She added that she is grateful for what they shared and that those experiences matter beyond any disagreement over contemporary issues. The discussion also touched on the broader debate over Rowling's anti-trans views and the lasting public interest in the feud.

Watson opened up about the difficulty of making friends in Hollywood after the Potter era. She recalled arriving on new sets expecting the same sense of family she experienced during the films, only to find that such friendships do not automatically translate to other projects. She described the shift as bone-breakingly painful and said she expected a community but often found otherwise. Despite the challenge, she emphasized that her career remains centered on acting, and she is open to future roles.

Watson said she has no plan to quit acting and remains open to returning to the screen. She suggested the Potter era shaped her expectations of the industry and that she continues to value the experiences she gained on the franchise.

Context around the ongoing debate over Rowling's views remains in the background of Watson’s remarks. Radcliffe, who co-starred with Watson and Rowling in the films, has also spoken out in support of trans rights, underscoring a nuanced divide among the trio on how to engage with the author’s controversial positions. The comments come as Culture & Entertainment outlets revisit the dynamics between the stars and the author, and as fans weigh the lasting impact of the Harry Potter era on both the industry and broader society.