Keira Knightley Says She Wasn’t Aware of Harry Potter Fan Boycott Before Joining Audible’s Full Cast Audio Editions
Keira Knightley revealed in a Decider interview that she was not aware of the fan boycott surrounding Harry Potter before she joined Audible’s The Full Cast Audio Editions as Professor Umbridge. The controversy centers on J.K. Rowling’s statements about the transgender community, which led some fans to call for boycotts of Harry Potter-related projects. Knightley explains that her decision to take on the role came without knowledge of the split among fans.
As the voice of Professor Umbridge, Knightley joined Audible’s immersive audio adaptation of the beloved wizarding world, offering listeners a fresh listening experience with a full cast. In discussing the situation, she acknowledged the ongoing debate around Rowling’s comments and expressed a hopeful sentiment: she wishes that everyone can find respect in discussions about these sensitive topics.
The interview underscores Knightley’s perspective during a high-profile moment in the Harry Potter conversation, highlighting her commitment to professional opportunities in the audio realm while navigating fan discourse and the broader conversation about representation and respect in fandoms.