Keira Knightley has stepped into the iconic world of Hogwarts, but her arrival isn’t being welcomed with open arms by all fans.
In a fresh take on the Harry Potter universe, the 40-year-old actress is voicing the much-despised Dolores Umbridge, a character remembered for her harshness and wicked charm, in Audible‘s Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions.
Alongside her, Kit Harington from Game of Thrones will play the oversaturated character Professor Gilderoy Lockhart. This immersive audio series promises more than 200 different performers, with tons of original tunes and cool sound effects.
The star-st lineup features big names like Hugh Laurie as Dumbledore, Matthew Macfadyen taking on Voldemort, Riz Ahmed as Snape, and Michelle Gomez as McGonagall. Ambika Mod will voice Nymphadora Tonks, while Leo Woodall will portray Bill Weasley. Simon Pegg, James McAvoy, Gemma Whelan, and Matt Berry complete this ensemble.
While the cast list looks exciting, not everyone is thrilled about it, with Knightley taking the brunt of the backlash.
Several original stars from the films have distanced themselves from J.K. Rowling due to her controversial remarks on trans issues, with many publicly criticizing her and refusing to take part in any newer adaptations.
People are voicing their displeasure online, accusing Knightley and Harington of ‘selling out’ by getting involved in this project affiliated with Rowling. One fan expressed disbelief, saying, “I can’t believe Keira is doing this!” Another chimed in, “Keira and Kit are getting dragged for something the rest of the original cast wouldn’t touch. Umbridge aside, this feels so disappointing. They must know what’s happening with JK—it’s totally tone-deaf.” A third user added, “Kit Harington in Lockhart? I expected better from him. Ugh.” Rowling’s controversial comments have provoked significant backlashing.
In a 2020 essay, Rowling argued, “If sex isn’t real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to discuss their lives meaningfully.” She stressed, “I believe the majority of trans-identified individuals pose no threat to others and deserve all protections; I empathize with trans women who face abuse from men.”
Despite the surrounding negativity, Audible is moving ahead full steam. The first audiobook titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is set to come out on November 4, with Chamber of Secrets following on December 16.
The full series will be released gradually, with Prisoner of Azkaban dropping on January 13, Goblet of Fire on February 10, and Order of the Phoenix hitting ears on March 10.
New voice actors Frankie Treadway, Max Lester, and Arabella Stanton will voice the main trio in the first three books, while Jaxon Knopf, Rhys Mulligan, and Nina Barker-Francis will step into the roles for the last four stories.
As for Knightley and Harington, they have yet to make any comments regarding the flood of online criticisms.
