David Tennant takes savage swipe at JK Rowling over upcoming Harry Potter series: ‘Doesn’t like me’
David Tennant has made a pointed remark about JK Rowling during his appearance at Planet Comicon Kansas City this weekend.
The Scottish actor, best known for his role in Doctor Who attended the event where he met fans, signed autographs and participated in a panel discussion about his career.
During the session, Tennant was asked about the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, which has been given the green light by HBO and is set to premiere in 2027.
The question specifically addressed whether he would consider returning to the franchise, having previously portrayed Bartemius Crouch Junior in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
His response has since gone viral for its not-so-subtle reference to his ongoing feud with the Harry Potter author as he claimed: “I mean, they’re great stories. I feel like my contribution has probably been made.”
He then added with a knowing look: “I’m told there’s an executive producer who doesn’t love me on that show.”
David told off J.K Rowling very very well https://t.co/nkyZVk81PL pic.twitter.com/O7O80W8lHV
— 𝐀𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐧🍁 (@GoodOmensDT) March 22, 2025
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The remark prompted rapturous applause, cheers and laughter from the audience, before the star feigned bewilderment at the reaction, shrugging and repeating: “I was told recently!”
The moment quickly circulated online, with social media users praising the actor’s “classy” response, as one X user commented that Tennant was “sooo smooth about it”, whilst another urged him to “drag” Rowling.
Tennant’s comments referred to a social media clash with Rowling that began late last year.
The feud originated when Tennant, whilst accepting an LGBT ally award, said he wished Conservative politician Kemi Badenoch would “shut up” regarding her support for protecting single-sex spaces in the Equality Act.
“I don’t wish ill of her; I just wish her to shut up,” he stated at the June ceremony.
The Doctor Who star has positioned himself as an outspoken advocate for transgender rights in recent years, with his stance placing him at odds with Rowling, who has become a divisive figure due to her own comments on transgender issues.
Badenoch responded forcefully to Tennant’s comments, stating: “I will not shut up. I will not be silenced by men who prioritise applause from Stonewall over the safety of women and girls.”
She further characterised him as “a rich, lefty, white male celebrity so blinded by ideology he can’t see the optics of attacking the only black woman in government”.
When Badenoch was subsequently appointed leader of the Conservative Party, Rowling seized the opportunity to take aim at Tennant and posted on X: “My thoughts and prayers are with David Tennant at this very difficult time.”
Rowling has made headlines several times in recent years due to her controversial views on trans rights, having engaged in social media activity on the subject since the 2010s.
She has previously described trans people as “crossdressing straight men” and accused them of “caricaturing women” in past posts.
In stark contrast, Harry Potter film stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have all made statements supporting the transgender community.
The new Harry Potter TV series is scheduled to premiere in 2027, fifteen years after the franchise concluded in film form with Deathly Hallows Part 2 – with the series confirming that American actor John Lithgow will portray Albus Dumbledore in the series.