Bel Powley (Getty Images)

Bel Powley has said she “strongly disagrees” with JK Rowling‘s views on gender.

The actress, 34, is set to play Petunia Dursley, Harry’s aunt, in HBO Max’s adaptation of the Harry Potter books, which premieres on 25 December.

Asked by The Telegraph whether she was concerned her career might be affected by association with Rowling and her views, Powley made her own position clear.

“I strongly disagree with JK Rowling’s views on gender,” she said. “I think that the trans community deserve safety and dignity and respect and total acceptance.”

Rowling, who wrote the original novels and serves as an executive producer on the series, has become one of the most prominent figures campaigning against transgender rights. She denies being transphobic.

Powley is the latest of several cast members of the reboot to distance themselves from Rowling’s views. Nick Frost, who plays Hagrid, recently said the pair “don’t align in any way, shape or form”, while John Lithgow, who plays Dumbledore, called Rowling’s stance “ironic and inexplicable”.

Stars of the original films, including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, have also publicly disagreed with the author.

Despite her disagreement, Powley said she remained a devoted fan of the books. “I love Harry Potter. I grew up with the books. I am from that first generation of readers,” she said.

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