Audible's 'Harry Potter' cast faces backlash for joining project amid JK Rowling's anti-trans views

Audible’s upcoming Harry Potter: The Full Cast Audio Editions has added major stars to its roster, including Keira Knightley, Kit Harington, James McAvoy, Simon Pegg, and Ruth Wilson.

The seven-part audiobook series, produced in partnership with JK Rowling’s Pottermore Publishing, will begin releasing globally in November 2025.

While the project has attracted an impressive ensemble of more than 200 actors, its association with Rowling has sparked intense backlash. The author continues to face widespread criticism for her anti-trans views, and many fans have voiced disappointment at the decision of high-profile performers to join the production.

On social media, users expressed frustration, with one comment describing the move as “deeply embarrassing for everyone involved.” Another wrote, “Recently learning that a lot of actors I really admired don’t have a damn backbone and think a paycheck is more important than protecting trans lives.” A third reaction added, “Well what did you expect, they all have an incurable disease and it’s called being British.”

Despite the criticism, Audible and Pottermore have pressed ahead with their release schedule, which spans from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in November 2025 through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in May 2026.

Other previously announced cast members include Hugh Laurie as Dumbledore, Riz Ahmed as Snape, and Cush Jumbo as narrator.