Warwick Davis responds to Harry Potter series backlash

Actor Warwick Davis has responded to the Harry Potter series backlash and urged people to be more accepting of those who are “different in this world”.

The 56-year-old reprised his role as Hogwarts’ charms professor Filius Flitwick for the upcoming HBO TV adaptation based on the JK Rowling fantasy novels.

The new series has divided fans of the franchise and sparked some controversy due to the author’s vocal stance on gender identity.

Rowling, who acts as an executive producer on the series, previously stated she thinks biological sex is “real” and “immutable” and has also been critical of self-declared gender identity, calling it “quasi-religious” and “anti-science”.

She has denied being transphobic and previously said she respects “every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them”.

Speaking on the red carpet for the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain awards, Davis told the Press Association: “I’m not really privy to a lot of the backlash.

“I will just say though, I’m a person of difference but it would be nice if everyone could accept people who are different in this world for who they are, not for what they are.”

Rowling’s outspoken views has been met with a recent wave of protests and boycotts by trans rights activists targeting Harry Potter-themed events and locations.

Recently, several protesters campaigning for transgender rights rushed the red carpet ahead of the gala performance of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre in London.

The individuals, who wore masks and hats to conceal their identity, laid on the red carpet during the event with one wearing a T-shirt which said “Rowling money kills”.

Davis went on to praise the cast and crew working on the upcoming series to retell what he said was a “great story”.

“It’s a fantastic team,” he said.

“The very best of the best working on this series. They’re absolutely fantastic. Love it.”

Davis starred in the film blockbusters alongside Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint for a decade.

Speaking about the importance of the Pride of Britain award ceremony, the actor said it sends a “signal” to people to not be “one of millions” and do something good for those around you.

He said: “I always appreciate the invitation. It’s a chance for me to, in my small way, say thank you to people who have done great things for the community, for other people in selfless ways.

“I think it sends up a signal to other people saying don’t just be one of millions.

“Stand up and be counted and do something good, not just because someone asked you, because you want to and you think it’ll do good.”

The Pride of Britain Awards ceremony will be shown on ITV1 at 8pm on Thursday.