Miriam Margolyes has a message for adult fans of the Harry Potter books and movies, and it’s not one they’re going to love hearing.
The Australian actor, who portrayed herbology professor Pomona Sprout in the film series based on J.K. Rowling’s books, thinks older stans of the boy wizard should “grow up,” Deadline reports.
Margolyes, whose long film career has included roles in Yentl, Romeo + Juliet, and The Age of Innocence, criticized grown-up Hogwarts fans earlier this month, telling the New Zealand network 1News, “I worry about Harry Potter fans, because they should be over that by now. It was 25 years ago, and it’s for children. I think it’s for children, but they get stuck in it.”
Later, on ABC News Australia, Margolyes doubled down. An anchor for the network noted that the actor was wearing a scarf and said, “I’m feeling a bit cold in the studio, so I’m going to put a scarf on as well, Miriam.” He then donned a scarf in the Gryffindor house colors of red and gold. “Now, what is this I read about you being unhappy with adult Harry Potter fans?” he asked.
“Is that a Harry Potter scarf?” Margolyes asked. When the actor confirmed that it was, she said, “Well, I wouldn’t have known.…I’m not unhappy about it; I just think that it’s for children. And if your balls have dropped, then it’s time to forget about it. You know, go on to other things.…Seriously, it’s a great series. It’s a wonderful set of films. I’m proud I was in it, but it was 25 years ago. You know, grow up!”
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
