The actress says she was unaware of the controversy when joining the new Harry Potter audiobook project

A Surprising Revelation

October 18, 2025: Keira Knightley has addressed recent backlash following her involvement in a new Harry Potter audiobook, where she voices the infamous Professor Dolores Umbridge. The acclaimed actress revealed that she was unaware of the ongoing boycott against author J.K. Rowling when she agreed to take part in the project.

Speaking during a recent interview, Knightley said, “I honestly didn’t know there was still an active boycott happening. When I was approached, I saw it as an opportunity to bring an iconic literary character to life in a new way — nothing more.”

Her comments come as Rowling continues to face criticism from parts of the public and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups over her remarks about gender identity.

The Role and the Reaction

Knightley’s casting as Professor Umbridge — one of the Harry Potter series’ most despised villains — was announced earlier this month as part of an upcoming audiobook reimagining by Audible and Warner Bros. The news quickly made waves online, with many fans praising Knightley’s talent but others criticizing her decision to collaborate on a Rowling-affiliated project.

One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Love Keira Knightley, but how can she say yes without knowing the context?” Another added, “She’s perfect for Umbridge, but the timing couldn’t be worse.”

Knightley, who has typically stayed away from controversy, emphasized that her decision was “purely artistic”, not political. “I didn’t have a full understanding of the wider situation,” she said. “I took the role because it was creatively challenging — not because of any statement I was trying to make.”

Industry Divided Over Rowling Collaborations

The renewed debate highlights how polarizing Rowling remains in Hollywood. While some actors from the Harry Potter franchise, including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, have publicly distanced themselves from her views, others have continued to work on Wizarding World projects.

Industry experts suggest that Knightley’s situation underscores how difficult it has become for artists to separate art from controversy in today’s climate.

Film analyst Jordan Feldman noted, “This shows how deeply intertwined J.K. Rowling’s name is with the franchise. Even neutral participants can get pulled into the discussion.”

Moving Forward

Knightley hasn’t indicated whether she plans to withdraw from the project, and Audible has not issued a statement addressing the backlash. Despite the criticism, fans of the actress remain excited to hear her take on Umbridge — a role that demands the blend of charm and menace Knightley is known for.

As the audiobook’s release approaches, it remains to be seen whether audiences will separate the performance from the politics — or if the controversy will overshadow the magic of the story once again.