A former professor from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry had a rather harsh message to Harry Potter fans.
Miriam Margoyles, also known as Professor Sprout, who taught the then second-year students of Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger how to re-pot mandrakes during her Herbology class, has told Potterheads to “f*****g grow up.”
The English-Australian actor isn’t a fan of nostalgia, as she has expressed while speaking to New Zealand journalist Hilary Barry for 1 News.
In a viral clip shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Miriam said: “I worry about Harry Potter fans because they should be over that by now.
Miriam Margoyles, also known as Professor Sprout, sparked controversy among Harry Potter fans after saying that the franchise is “for children”
Image credits: Warner Bros. Pictures
“It was 25 years ago, and it’s for children. I think it’s for children, but they get stuck in it.
“I do cameos, and people say, ‘Oh, I’m having a Harry Potter-themed wedding,’ and I think, gosh, what’s their first night of fun going to be?”
The 82-year-old BAFTA Award winner expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the world-famous fantasy series, but she said she preferred to leave her days in the Wizarding World behind.
“I can’t even think about it – no, Harry Potter is wonderful, and I’m very grateful to it, but it’s over.”
The Age of Innocence actress appeared in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in 2002, handling the magical plants that resemble crying babies. She also made an appearance in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in 2011.
Given how intense and widespread the Harry Potter craze is, it’s no surprise that Miriam’s remarks inspired varying reactions among fans, with many hardcore admirers deeming her comments “out of touch.”
“Yeah it’s a shame that Harry Potter is the single best book EVER written and there’s literally nothing else to read,” someone wrote.
“I’m 58 and just finished building a Harry Potter Lego tonight and currently debating which one I want next. Probably The Sorting Hat,” another person commented, emphasizing that there’s no age limit to enjoy a book series or film.
A third person asked, “Can’t people just like the things they want to like? It’s not hurting anyone, leave us alone.”
“A little out of touch. She forgets that we grew up with Harry. Many of us around his age when the books were published,” someone else wrote on Facebook.
The actress told Potterheads to “f*****g grow up” and leave their enthusiasm for J.K. Rowling’s universe in the past
“Sad that someone who was apart of it personally doesn’t understand the impact Harry Potter had on so many of us,” a separate Potterhead weighed in.
Ashley, who’s in her forties, shared that her weekend plans frequently involve the J.K. Rowling adaptations. “I’m 41 and my husband is 47. We have a Harry Potter marathon almost every Sunday,” she wrote.
Others, however, echoed the actress’ sentiment, arguing that fans should turn the page on their enthusiasm for the Harry Potter franchise.
“I completely agree. The same can be said for adults going to Disney land – it isn’t nostalgia its weird,” an X user wrote.
Another person commented: “Entire fan base is so triggered and really it’s just proving her point – that the level of obsession is just inappropriate for grown adults.
“Sure, you can like what you want and it’s certainly not hurting anyone, but honestly can we just stop decorating our apartments and weddings with this? And how do you know you’re a ‘Hufflepuff’?”
It looks like the Harry Potter craze will have a new chapter, perhaps engaging new younger audiences, as Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed their plans for a brand-new show set in the same fantasy universe. The series will be available to stream on Max Original.
“We are delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way,” said Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO & Max Content, in a press release.
“This new Max Original series will dive deep into each of the iconic books that fans have continued to enjoy for all of these years,” he wrote, adding that “Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon.”
People highlighted that being a fan of HP has nothing to do with age
