Overview

• In a new On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast released Sept. 24, Watson said a frank conversation with Rowling "was never made possible" but that she remains open to one.
• Watson reiterated that she can value her personal history with Rowling and the Hermione role while disagreeing with the author’s views, saying she would not "cancel" that part of her life.
• She emphasized keeping remarks measured to prevent the issue from being weaponized and described the current tenor of discourse as "really painful".
• Watson and fellow cast members previously voiced support for trans people in 2020, and reporting notes Rowling has since bristled at their stance, including a "Not safe, I'm afraid" reply on social media.
• Context for the rift continues as Rowling is a producer on HBO’s planned Harry Potter series, and Watson, who last appeared in a 2019 film, says she misses the art of acting but does not feel urgency to return.