After years of being a darling in progressive circles, J.K. Rowling has found herself the subject of some people's ire. First, it was the decision not to fire Johnny Depp, and now, it's what some critics see as a representation problem. However, Rowling isn't taking their anger quietly.
The "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" screenwriter found herself facing backlash after director David Yates told EW that Albus Dumbledore's sexuality wouldn't be referenced "explicitly" in the upcoming film. Fans had understandably been expecting to that aspect of the character (played by Jude Law) to play heavily into the plot given what Rowling has told us of his feelings toward Grindelwald (Depp) in the past, so they were outraged by Yates's response. However, as Rowling pointed out on Twitter, none of these naysayers have read her screenplay, nor have they seen the entire five-film series. She also revealed that some people have been sending her "abuse" and made a snarky comment about how that has been "tons of fun."
Being sent abuse about an interview that didn't involve me, about a screenplay I wrote but which none of the angry people have read, which is part of a five-movie series that's only one instalment in, is obviously tons of fun, but you know what's even *more* fun? pic.twitter.com/Rj6Zr8aKUk
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 31, 2018
Rowling added that she has been enjoying muting these angry people, tweeting, "Twitter without the mute button would be hell."
Yep. Twitter without the mute button would be hell. (Heaven would be an edit button, @Twitter). https://t.co/Zzfbh4rEps
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 31, 2018
While the angry people do have a valid concern -- that the Fantastic Beasts series could gloss over an important part of Dumbledore's story and miss a prime opportunity for much-needed representation -- Rowling does make a good point: We don't truly know what to expect from "The Crimes of Grindelwald" or any of the three movies that will follow. For all we know, she has every intention of delving into his sexuality in future installments.
"Fantastic Beast: The Crimes of Grindelwald" is set for release on Nov. 16.