Sebastian Croft (“Heartstopper”) responds to criticism for his participation in the video game ‘Harry Potter’

Less than a month after its release, ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ is already a hit. The open world video game set in the magical world of ‘Harry Potter’ breaks playback records with its trailer and gameplay and tops the best seller lists (excluding free games) on major video game platforms. Despite The controversy has long involved the property due to the positions of its creator, JK Rowling, accused of transphobiait seems that this will not affect the performance of the game at all, undoubtedly one of the most anticipated of the year.

Despite everything, there are those who continue to boycott everything related to Harry Potter, to protest Rowling’s statements and her alignment with conservative anti-trans positions. Thus, the announcement of one of the latest signings for the voice cast of ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ particularly hurt one sector of the fandom. It concerns Sebastian Croft, known for playing Ben Hope in ‘Heartstopper’ giving his voice to a playable character. Given that Netflix’s LGBTQ+ phenomenon includes trans characters and the actor has publicly championed the cause, Croft’s decision has been questioned by fans on social media.

For someone who has been so vocal in supporting trans rights, it’s disappointing to see him join a project that contributes directly to a well-known transphobe’s already huge platform and know that people will buy it because they’re fans of his other stuff. .. https://t.co/FM5wXiRNF9

? tsam (@tsamasaurusrex) January 12, 2023

“For someone who has been vocal in his support for trans rights, it is disappointing to see him join a project that contributes directly to the already huge platform of a well-known transphobe, and to know that there will be people who buy it because they are fans. his other works…”.

Hey @SebastianCroft how you feel about prioritizing your career over your trans siblings and friends

? All right! ? 36 (@gaohardy) January 11, 2023

“Hey Sebastian Croft, how does it feel to prioritize your career over your trans siblings and friends?”

I spent time making friends with trans actors during Heartstopper, speaking positively about LGBTQ+ rights, participating in pride and @SebastianCroft it will still be in the new HP game. Disappointment after disappointment today tbh. Say it’s about salary and go, then.

? JR Hart | ???? (@jrhartauthor) January 11, 2023

“Befriended trans actors during ‘Heartstopper’, supports LGBTQ+ rights, goes to Pride, and more, Sebastian Croft will be in the new HP video game. Disappointment after disappointment today. Say it’s because of the check and that’s it”.

Your explanation and apology

A few days after the announcement of the casting, Croft responded on Twitter to those who accused them of hypocrisy, retweeting a tweet (later deleted) with a message in which clarifies that he was hired on the project a long time ago, before learning about Rowling’s views on gender and trans people.

“I was hired on this project over 3 years ago when ‘Harry Potter’ was just the wizarding world I grew up with”Croft begins. “This was long before I knew JK Rowling’s views. I believe with all my heart that trans women are women and trans men are men”. In a second tweet, the 21-year-old actor adds: “I know a lot more now than I did three years ago, and I look forward to learning a lot more in the next three. To anyone who has done a wrong with this announcement, I’m so sorry. There is no LGBT without the T”.

I was cast in this project over 3 years ago when all Harry Potter was to me was the wizarding world I grew up with. This was long before I was aware of JK Rowling’s views.
I strongly believe that trans women are women and trans men are men. https://t.co/QTAMClZDda

? Sebastian Croft (@SebastianCroft) January 14, 2023

In addition to Croft, other actors and actresses lending their English voices to the game include Simon Pegg, Amelia Gething, Lesley Nicol, Kandace Caine, Luke Youngblood, Sohm Kapila, Asif Ali, Adam O’Connor and Jason Anthony. ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ will be available from February 10th on major video game platforms. The first season of ‘Heartstopper’ is available on Netflix, with a second and third on the way.