Harry Potter author JK Rowling has been backed by actor Jim Broadbent, 73, as he pledges to confront her critics “if it came to it”.
The Oscar-winning actor, who played Horace Slughorn in three of the film adaptations of the famous book series, also said the abuse aimed at JK, 57, was “really sad”.
His comments come as it was revealed there will be a brand-new Harry Potter TV series, with many people already vowing to boycott it.
In response to the backlash, Rowling tweeted: “Dreadful news, which I feel duty bound to share. Activists in my mentions are trying to organise yet another boycott of my work, this time of the Harry Potter TV show.
“As forewarned is forearmed, I've taken the precaution of laying in a large stock of champagne.”
Speaking in an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Broadbent was asked for his opinion on Rowling and the backlash she's received due to her position on single-sex spaces, trans rights and gender.
He replied: "It's really sad. I think JK Rowling is amazing. I haven't had to confront it myself, but I would support her in that, I think, if it came to it."
Many avid fans of Harry Potter have slammed the idea of turning the world-famous book and movie franchise into a TV series after the main cast have almost all distanced themselves from Rowling following her controversial views about the LGBTQ+ community.
Her controversial views on transgender people and gender identity caused widespread outrage during the height of the pandemic after she slammed the term 'people who menstruate' being used in replace of the word 'woman' in a tweet.
Following the blow up, Rowling penned a lengthy essay on her website stating her position on trans issues, which boils down to her belief that biological sex should be considered separate from gender.
At the time, onlookers, including members of the Harry Potter cast, criticised her comment as being 'anti-trans' and 'transphobic'.
Several actors who have been involved in Harry Potter projects over the years have since made their own statements, promoting and celebrating trans rights and people as well as distancing themselves from the author's controversial opinions on the sensitive topic.
In a lengthy statement which was released via The Trevor Project, Daniel Radcliffe penned: "Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I.
"If you found anything in these stories that resonate with you and helped you at any time in your life—then that is between you and the book that you read, and it is sacred," Daniel added in the inspiring statement.
Soon after Daniel's words, many other Harry Potter actors followed suit.
Actress Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood in multiple films, shared a statement on her Twitter account as she wrote: "Feeling like you don't fit in or aren't accepted for who you are the worst, most lonely feelings a human can experience, and I won't be helping to marginalise trans women and men further.
"I applaud the immense bravery they show in embracing themselves and think we all should listen to their stories."
Meanwhile, Emma Watson, who played Hermione clapped back at Rowling's controversial opinion as she shared her support for the trans community.
At the time, Emma shared: "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.
"I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are."
Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the Potter films, also responded to Rowling's remarks, becoming the last of the three central cast members to do so.
The actor issued a statement to The Times, saying: "I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers.
"Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment."
HBO Max officially confirmed it has commissioned a TV show adaptation of the novels, with each book having a season of its own.
The series will be a 'faithful adaptation' of the world famous books written by Rowling, who will serve as executive producer.
Steaming giant HBO Max confirmed the series would be produced with 'the same epic craft, love and care this global franchise is known for' in a statement on Wednesday evening.
“The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail, much loved characters and dramatic locations that Harry Potter fans have loved for over twenty-five years,” the streamer said.
