An actress cast in HBO's forthcoming Harry Potter television adaptation has publicly expressed opposition to author J.K. Rowling's positions on gender. Bel Powley, who will portray Petunia Dursley, stated in a media interview that she strongly rejects Rowling's views and believes transgender individuals deserve safety, dignity, and full acceptance. Powley clarified that her disagreement with Rowling does not diminish her love for the Harry Potter franchise and her enthusiasm for the upcoming series.

This criticism reflects broader tension between Rowling and cast members of the HBO production. Several other actors involved—including those playing Hagrid, Dumbledore, and Severus Snape—have similarly made public statements disagreeing with Rowling's gender-related statements. Rowling, an executive producer on the series, has responded by defending her right to her opinions and noting she would not remove actors from the production due to differing viewpoints. The original Harry Potter film trilogy's lead actors have also publicly disagreed with Rowling on this topic.