As Ben Barnes is rumoured to be in HBO’s Harry Potter, here’s where he stands on JK Rowling

Ben Barnes has been one of the internet’s favourite fan-casts for Sirius Black for years, and now that HBO’s Harry Potter reboot is finally getting closer, people are once again wondering whether he could actually join the cast, so here’s where he stands on JK Rowling.

The actor has previously addressed the Sirius Black rumours. He admitted that people have been suggesting him for the role for around 20 years. But Barnes has also spoken about the more complicated side of being associated with Harry Potter. Especially because of JK Rowling’s views on gender and trans rights.

So, where exactly does Ben Barnes stand on JK Rowling?

Ben Barnes spoke about his relationship with the Harry Potter franchise during a Q&A at FanX’s Tampa Bay Comic-Con in 2025. He told Collider, “Like most people in the world found those stories and those movies when they came out, something for a bit, you know, really joyful.” 

He then added, “And obviously, in the last few years, I found it a much more difficult thing to talk about. Because there’s obviously, like, a clash between some of the author’s views on things and the way I see the world.”

Barnes didn’t name JK Rowling directly in that comment. But it’s very obvious that he was referring to the author’s very controversial views on trans people.

Barnes went on to explain that the situation has affected the way he sees the Harry Potter world. “So I think that has made it, sadly, sort of tainted this sort of beautiful mythology of how I saw those stories,” he said.

He continued, “But it doesn’t change the fact that it’s a really cool character. And to be associated with a character like that from other people who do love it, it’s like a really beautiful thing. And it makes me happy.”

So, he still clearly has affection for the books and the character of Sirius Black, and he understands why people are so attached to the franchise. But at the same time, he has openly acknowledged that Rowling’s views clash with his own.

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