ITN now has a feature online that contains a new video interview with actors Dan Radcliffe (Harry), Rupert Grint (Ron), Emma Watson (Hermione) and director David Yates giving their reactions to the news about the character of Dumbledore being gay. This interview was conducted last weekend in London for the press launch of the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix DVD. To watch click here, then on the video box at the top of the screen.
I heard nothing offensive in those comments-from Dan or anyone else-and I think those who were offended are just trying way too hard to be offended. I was very relieved to hear Yates’ comments! I agree that he really does seem to understand these characters and what’s important.
I’ve got to say, I’m perfectly fine with Dumbledore, and I really don’t think any of this should matter, nor should it be such a huge point of discussion. He’s gay—ok, got it. That’s all I need to hear, thank you. Of course I do care what Yates and the trio think about it, I mean, it’s Harry Potter news, isn’t it? And of course, everyone here loves all things Harry Potter, but can we please move on to another subject? This is getting really old…I mean, doesn’t anybody want to discuss ANY of the other new canon JKR has put out?
i too am really tired of hearing about the whole gay thing. and, HPfreak, i am not sorry if anyone is offended that i feel that way. if people want homosexuality to be more accepted(for lack of a better word) stop making such a big deal about it. it is what it is. get over it. and i agree with gina that there was nothing offensive with the “duo-and-a-half”s comments(poor rupert)
I really like Yates, he did a good job with the fifth film. True it wasn’t perfect, but lets hope the sixth film is even better. As to Dumbledore being gay, we’ve been through that hurricane already. I’m not going to state my opinion on it here. However, I really don’t like how the media is sensationalizing it. Really, he is a fictional character, lets move on with our lives.
What a fantastic set of interviews! Each, articulate and to the point! I think the whole group (Emma, Dan, Rupert are splendid! I am more and more impressed! Good for everyone and good for JKR!
Posted by Confederate Lady on November 08, 2007, 01:54 AM
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I would have been surprised if Yates or any of the trio had been outraged by the “new” Dumbledore. As Yates said in the DVD Launch interview, it just wasn’t a big scandal in Europe.
I was very pleased with Yates’s description of Dumbledore’s character. He really seems to understand what JKR meant Dumbledore to be.
Having watched the trio in interviews for so long now, their responses were what I would expect. Emma’s response (“it makes sense”) was very thoughtful as always. Dan, as usual, injected humor into his response. And Rupert’s answer was short and to the point. I thought all three were true to form. I like these “kids” very much.
Dr. Phil: Don’t blame Jo. She didn’t make it a big deal. She was asked a question in an interview and answered. She didn’t call a press conference or set up an interview to reveal it or something. It’s sort of amazing how people manage to twist everything she does against her.
I agree with what Emma said. In this day and age, homosexuality is not a social problem that is worth fussing about. I have no problem that Dumbledore is gay. I do however have a problem with Dumbledore not even knowing that he’s gay. That’s just careless writing. The author have never given a hint that he’s gay giving the impression that this is a last minute invention on her part, written specificallly for book 7 to underscore the great sacrifice he did in choosing good over his love for Grindenwald. Wouldn’t have been a problem if HP is not a series but now Potter addcits like me go back to the other books and were just stumped to find nothing there to give us a clue. Bad writing I say…
Thea: There’s plenty of hints, and if Dumbledore had been a younger character instead of a wise mentor figure whose sexuality most of us have never considered, I’m sure we would have picked them up. The fact that it wasn’t totally obvious just makes it more real.
I heard nothing offensive in those comments-
from Dan or anyone else-and I think those who were offended are just trying way too hard to be offended. I was very relieved to hear Yates’ comments! I agree that he really does seem to understand these characters and what’s important.