In a recent interview that has sparked widespread discussion, Hollywood icon Harrison Ford weighed in on the controversial casting of a Black actor as Severus Snape in a new Harry Potter project directed by Mark Mylod. Ford, known for his roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, did not mince words, labeling the decision as “stupid woke” and expressing strong support for J.K. Rowling, the creator of the Harry Potter universe, in her ongoing battles over creative control and copyright of her work. The remarks have ignited a firestorm of reactions, highlighting the ongoing tensions between artistic vision, fan expectations, and the evolving landscape of diversity in entertainment.

Ford’s comments came during a promotional event for his latest film, where he was asked about the recent announcement of a Black actor taking on the role of Severus Snape, a character famously portrayed by Alan Rickman in the original Harry Potter film series. Snape, a complex and pivotal figure in Rowling’s novels, is described in the books with specific physical characteristics, including a pale complexion, which some fans argue should be preserved in adaptations. Ford, however, framed his critique not around the actor’s race but around what he perceives as a broader trend of prioritizing political correctness over storytelling integrity. “This whole ‘woke’ thing has gone too far,” Ford said. “It’s not about the actor’s talent—it’s about changing something fundamental for the sake of checking boxes. It’s stupid woke nonsense, and it disrespects the source material.”

The casting decision, overseen by director Mark Mylod, known for his work on Succession, is part of a new Harry Potter adaptation rumored to be a television series or a reimagined film. While details about the project remain sparse, the choice to diversify the casting has been both praised and criticized. Supporters argue that it reflects a modern, inclusive approach to storytelling, allowing fresh interpretations of beloved characters. Critics, including Ford, contend that such changes risk alienating fans who hold the original books and films dear. Ford’s use of the term “woke” echoes a broader cultural debate, where the word has become a lightning rod for discussions about representation, artistic freedom, and fidelity to source material.

Beyond the casting controversy, Ford’s remarks took a surprising turn when he called for public support to help J.K. Rowling reclaim the copyright to her Harry Potter franchise. Rowling, who has faced her own share of controversies in recent years, sold the film rights to Warner Bros. in the late 1990s, a decision that has limited her control over adaptations. Ford argued that Rowling, as the creator of a cultural phenomenon, deserves to have her vision protected. “She built this world from nothing,” he said. “It’s hers, and it’s wrong that she’s fighting to have a say in what happens to it. Fans should rally behind her to get that copyright back where it belongs.”

Rowling’s relationship with the Harry Potter franchise has been complicated by her public statements on gender and biological sex, which have drawn both support and backlash. Some fans and industry figures have distanced themselves from her, while others, like Ford, see her as a victim of overzealous criticism and corporate overreach. Ford’s call to action taps into a sentiment among certain fan communities who believe Rowling’s original vision should take precedence over studio-driven changes, including casting decisions that deviate from the books’ descriptions.

The reaction to Ford’s comments has been predictably polarized. On social media platforms like X, fans and commentators have clashed over whether his remarks reflect a principled stand for artistic integrity or an outdated resistance to diversity. Some have praised Ford for speaking candidly, with one user posting, “Finally, someone in Hollywood with the guts to call out this nonsense.” Others have condemned his language, arguing that dismissing inclusive casting as “stupid woke” undermines efforts to make the industry more equitable. Meanwhile, the call to support Rowling’s copyright battle has gained traction among fans who feel the franchise has strayed too far from its roots.

As the debate rages on, the casting of a Black actor as Snape and Ford’s outspoken response highlight the challenges of adapting beloved stories in an era of heightened cultural sensitivity. Whether Rowling will ever regain full control of her creation remains uncertain, but Ford’s remarks have ensured that the conversation will continue to resonate across fandoms and beyond.