Nicholas Hoult is the latest cast member to be announced for the upcoming Harry Potter series.
However, fans on social media are criticising the actor for the decision in light of author J.K. Rowling’s controversial views on gender.
The upcoming HBO adaptation of the works by Rowling will consist of seven seasons, one for each of the original books. Rowling will serve as executive producer on the series.
This week, Hoult, 36, has become the latest cast member to be announced for the new show, playing Gilderoy Lockhart. In the original films, the part was played by actor Kenneth Branagh.
On Hot Ones in 2024, Hoult revealed that he had unsuccessfully auditioned for multiple roles in the film versions of Harry Potter, including Harry and Draco Malfoy. “I remember doing a couple of auditions, and then meeting him and maybe having fake glasses for the audition,” he recalled on the show.
“Not getting the role of Harry, and then maybe coming back and [them] being like: ‘Will you audition for Malfoy?’ I don’t think I got that either, and then they were like just gradually audition for every role in Harry Potter until they were like: ‘No.’
On social media, since the announcement, Hoult has been criticised for his involvement in the show with one user writing: “This is disappointing to see. Its a shame to see him working on something that will benefit anti LGBT+ groups.” A second wrote: “All of my goodwill towards him is fully gone.”
A fan account for the star, @houltdaily, added: “Pausing any posts on this account for the time being. Nicholas Hoult do better, so many of your fans are hurt.” Hoult has yet to comment on the announcement publicly.
It comes as other stars cast in the show have already distanced themselves from Rowling’s views.
Bel Powley has recently said she “strongly disagrees” with J.K. Rowling‘s views on gender, voicing her support for the trans community.
The actor, who rose to fame in 2015 film The Diary Of A Teenage Girl, will play Petunia Dursley in HBO‘s forthcoming TV adaptation of the book saga. Speaking to The Telegraph, she said: “I strongly disagree with J.K. Rowling’s views on gender. I think that the trans community deserve safety and dignity and respect and total acceptance.”
She went on to say that her difference in views has not affected her love for the series in general, adding: “But I love Harry Potter. I grew up with the books. I am from that first generation of readers and, again, I love magic and spookiness.”
Other actors to have spoken out include John Lithgow, who will be playing Albus Dumbledore. He said he considered leaving the project after receiving criticism for his involvement, but chose to stay as he said the books are “clearly on the side of the angels, against intolerance and bigotry”.
Lithgow did, however, describe Rowling’s views as “ironic and inexplicable”, although he said he felt some of her comments had been “twisted and misrepresented”.
Nick Frost, who plays Rubeus Hagrid, also said his opinions “don’t align in any way, shape or form” with Rowling’s, while Severus Snape actor Paapa Essiedu was among more than 400 UK entertainment figures to sign an open letter calling for the protection of trans rights after the 2025 Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman. Rowling later said she would not have fired him for his actions even if she had the power to do so.
The issue has also caused a rift between Rowling and the original Harry Potter cast, with Daniel Radcliffe saying the distance between them made him “really sad”.
The first season, adapting Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, premieres on HBO Max on Christmas Day. Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton lead the cast as Harry, Ron and Hermione respectively.
