J.K. Rowling has shared a parody video mocking Emma Watson after the Harry Potter star addressed her relationship with the divisive author on a recent podcast. The actor, best known for her portrayal of Hermione Granger in the film adaptations, went viral this week for saying her differing views with Rowling on transgender rights doesn't mean that she can't "treasure" her. A video later emerged on social media of a well-known political and celebrity satirist, impersonating Watson in a short video clip that Rowling re-posted on her own account. Rowling supported the video, writing in the caption: "I'm here for ALL the spoofs."
The video, hailing from X/Twitter user Intel Lady, who claims to satirize "silly people," referenced Watson's recent appearance on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, wherein the former Harry Potter star offered a balanced assessment of her relationship with Rowling. The internet personality took a direct jibe at the actor's comments and exaggerated them by saying that she has "so much love" for Rowling but also stands "shoulder-to-shoulder with those who would wish harm on her, hate her, and would wish the absolute worst for her in her life." The parody version of Watson further stated that those "seemingly incompatible" stances can "exist at the same time, which is why I love this incredibly diverse world that we live in."
In 2020, Watson joined several members of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises, including Daniel Radcliffe and Eddie Redmayne, in opposing Rowling's anti-transgender rhetoric and speaking out in support of the LGBTQIA+ community, writing in a statement at the time: "Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren't who they say they are." However, when asked about her current relationship with Rowling on Jay Shetty's podcast, Watson said:
"I really don't believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, means that I can't and don't treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with. I will never believe that one negates the other and that my experience of that person, I don't get to keep and cherish… I think it's my deepest wish that I hope people who don't agree with my opinion will love me and I hope I can keep loving people who I don't necessarily share the same opinion with."
The 'Harry Potter' Franchise Is Undergoing a Significant Reboot
Emma Watson as Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
The Harry Potter franchise is currently undergoing a significant reboot, with HBO ushering in a multi-year television series, featuring an all-new cast (with one notable exception). Rowling is working on the project as an executive producer, and is also collaborating with the creative team to ensure that the show remains faithful to her novels. HBO issued a statement amid growing concerns about her involvement with the series, asserting that the new take on the magical franchise will only benefit from her input. The company stated:
"We are proud to once again tell the story of Harry Potter – the heart-warming books that speak to the power of friendship, resolve and acceptance. J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement."
The much buzzed-about Harry Potter series is written and executive produced by Succession alum Francesca Gardiner. She has reteamed with Mark Mylod, who is serving as an executive producer on the show and will be directing multiple episodes for HBO in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros. Television. There are plans for the small screen adaptation of Harry Potter to run for at least a decade, with seven seasons to cover each of Rowling's seven books. The first episode is expected to debut on HBO and HBO Max sometime in 2027, with Arabella Stanton taking over the role of Hermione Granger alongside Dominic McLaughlin as the show's titular boy wizard and Alastair Stout as his fiercely loyal friend Ron Weasley.
