I disagree with both of their decisions to involve themselves with Harry Potter projects, but I can also understand the monetary benefits that might have compelled them to take part. The series is incredibly lucrative, and maybe the pros may have outweighed the cons for them individually. You could also argue that somebody else would have filled the roles that they played, and the series would have made the same amount of money. That’s true, but it’s less about the revenue that they as actors would bring to JK Rowling, and more about their decision to consciously support her. Even if their participation brought no extra money to their respective projects, they would still be involved in JK Rowling’s work willingly, and that therefore implies support for her and her views.

You could also raise the point that acting is their job, and they’re just doing business. It is a valid argument, acting is how they make a living, and maybe these projects were too big to pass up. Although, that could be countered by the excellent point that they are famous British icons, and they could definitely still remain in their position in the industry if they declined the roles. Climbing the ladder is their job though, and Harry Potter is a huge media franchise. They were probably heavily advised the take the jobs due to the exposure and money they’d gain, even if they could afford to give it a miss.

You could also argue cluelessness, especially with Nick Frost’s support of AI on Instagram. You could definitely say that he just didn’t realise that the image was AI, which is highly likely. The account the image was from posts countless AI generated movie posters, it’s obviously fake, but maybe he didn’t check the profile before reposting? AI is a relatively new thing, and he isn’t exactly young anymore. Maybe it was a genuine mistake, because I know for a fact everybody’s parents and grandparents are falling for AI, even the most obviously fake videos and photos. Maybe the benefit of the doubt is applicable here, especially because he makes his own artwork.

Arguing unintentional ignorance is harder when you think about their willingness to participate in Harry Potter projects though. JK Rowling’s views are incredibly well known by now, it’s common knowledge that she’s a terf. She uses her personal wealth to fund anti-trans organisations, which is vile, and pretty hard to miss if you exist on the internet at all right now. It’s very unlikely both Simon and Nick were completely unaware of this. Simon has worked with trans actors before though, and is clear in his support of the LGBTQ community, so I don’t believe he is transphobic.

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/mar/08/trans-comic-jordan-gray-interview-simon-pegg-nick-frost-sitcom-x-man

This article can back up the fact that Simon is in fact a trans advocate, and does not agree with JK Rowling’s views. That being said, his participation in the Harry Potter franchise does imply support, so you could label him as hypocritical.

Nick Frost has made a statement on his participation in the project, which I’m going to link.

I think it’s good that he’s spoken up about the issue instead of just ignoring it. I think it’s a good thing that he’s called for people to educate themselves instead of waiting for the controversy around trans issues pass by. I also think it’s great that he has outwardly stated that his views don’t align with JK Rowling’s. What I don’t think is great is that he’s on the project still.

Maybe it could be the case that he signed on before he knew about her views, and now he has to be professional about working with her? I know for a fact you meet assholes you have to put up with at your job all the time for the sake of professionalism, and that is just amplified for him by the fact that she wrote the series. I’d like to hope that he wouldn’t willingly choose to work with a transphobe and a terf, and that it was a mistake he has to live with now. You have to be willing to work with some real pricks at times, and I believe that’s what he means when he says “She’s allowed her opinion, and I’m allowed mine, they just don’t align in any way, shape or form.” I think that’s the closest he can get to saying he disagrees but has to work with her anyway, or maybe that’s wishful thinking.

In conclusion: I don’t believe Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are transphobic, just ignorant, unintentionally or intentionally. I disagree with them being involved in the Harry Potter franchise heavily, regardless of how they ended up there, and I believe they should have known better. I don’t believe Nick Frost supports AI, I just believe he’s an old guy who doesn’t know any better, but probably should.

I’d love to hear what other people think about this. Feel free to show me some articles I may have missed, or some incorrect facts I may have stated. As long as you’re not going to be reblogging this supporting transphobia and AI, I’d love to hear your opinions. This isn’t beta read or anything lmao so if I spelled something wrong or whatever just ignore it.