In a bold and highly visible show of solidarity, Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan has distanced herself from HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, voicing strong opposition to author J.K. Rowling’s continued attacks on transgender rights.
Coughlan’s latest comments came via Instagram, where she reposted an article titled A New Low for JK Rowling and added, “Keep your new Harry Potter lads. Wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole.” Her statement arrives in the wake of the UK Supreme Court’s controversial April 16 ruling that legally defines “woman” as someone biologically female, a decision that advocates warn could undermine protections for transgender people. Coughlan described the judgment, and celebrations of it, as “stomach-churning and disgusting.”
The actor, who plays Penelope Featherington in Netflix’s Bridgerton and also appeared in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, has been consistent in her advocacy for marginalized groups. Following the court ruling, she launched a fundraiser on Instagram to support Not A Phase, a UK-based trans rights organization. The campaign quickly gained momentum, raising over $140,000 with help from high-profile supporters such as singer Gracie Abrams and actress Melanie Lynskey.
Coughlan’s vocal stance aligns her with several of the original Harry Potter film stars who have also denounced Rowling’s views. Daniel Radcliffe, who portrayed the titular boy wizard, has stated, “Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people.” Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who played Hermione and Ron, respectively, have echoed similar sentiments, publicly affirming their support for the transgender community.
Rowling, for her part, has continued to assert her opposition publicly to trans inclusion in women’s spaces, often citing her personal history as a survivor of sexual violence. This week, she drew renewed backlash after posting a celebratory photo aboard a luxury yacht, smoking a cigar and toasting the UK Supreme Court decision with the caption, “I love it when a plan comes together.”
She also made a veiled jab at the original Potter trio by replying to a social media post asking, “What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?” with: “Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible,” accompanied by laughing emojis.
Despite Rowling’s defenders framing her position as one of concern for women’s safety, trans advocates stress that her influence contributes directly to the growing hostility and legal challenges transgender people now face, particularly in the UK. Rowling has financially supported gender-critical organizations such as For Women Scotland, the group behind the case that led to the Supreme Court ruling.
As HBO moves forward with its new Harry Potter adaptation, criticism continues to mount. Some trans activists have publicly called out actors who’ve joined the project, including John Lithgow and Nick Frost, for indirectly supporting Rowling’s platform. While Lithgow brushed off critiques by joking about his American nationality on the BBC, the broader concern remains: that the financial success of the reboot will empower Rowling to further fund anti-transgender efforts.
For many transgender fans, the magic of the wizarding world has been forever dimmed. In Nicola Coughlan, they’ve found a vocal advocate willing to take a public stand. And in moments like these, such solidarity is more than symbolic; it’s necessary.
