'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald': JK Rowling responds to Nagini backlash

The big reveal that Nagini is being featured in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” has got the fans excited, but not everybody is happy about Claudia Kim playing the role. Responding to the backlash, JK Rowling shared some context with the help of mythology to defend the casting.

Rowling is the author of the “Harry Potter” book series and the script writer of the upcoming film. A fan recently commented on the low level of diversity in both her books and movies, and accused the filmmakers of adding an Asian actress to play Nagini as an afterthought. Rowling decided to respond to this on Twitter.

“The Naga are snake-like mythical creatures of Indonesian mythology, hence the name ‘Nagini.’ They are sometimes depicted as winged, sometimes as half-human, half-snake. Indonesia comprises a few hundred ethnic groups, including Javanese, Chinese and Betawi. Have a lovely day,” Rowling said.

Rowling’s comments however made more people to join in the conversation. Many people pointed out that the Naga mythology is originally from India. The mythology is deeply rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism. Some of the people who commented also expressed their shock at Rowling not knowing about this.

Jen Moulton, the person who started the debate, later said that she isn’t against Kim. Her issue is that there is only one Asian character in the film, and this character goes on to become the pet of the villain Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). She, however, hopes that the future movies from the franchise will have diverse cast playing important roles.

“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” has been directed by David Yates. The film is set to be released on Nov. 15 in Australia. The cast members include Johnny Depp (Gellert), Jude Law (Albus Dumbledore), Eddie Redmayne (Newt Scamander), Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski), Ezra Miller (Credence), Katherine Waterston (Tina Goldstein), Alison Sudol (Queenie Goldstein).

@jk_rowling listen Joanne, we get it, you didn't include enough representation when you wrote the books. But suddenly making Nagini into a Korean woman is garbage.
Representation as an afterthought for more woke points is not good representation. https://t.co/UIrR7yiKQD
— Jen Moulton (@J_A_Moulton) September 26, 2018

The Naga are snake-like mythical creatures of Indonesian mythology, hence the name ‘Nagini.’ They are sometimes depicted as winged, sometimes as half-human, half-snake. Indonesia comprises a few hundred ethnic groups, including Javanese, Chinese and Betawi. Have a lovely day _
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) September 26, 2018

I understand that you are happy with the casting and I don't want anyone thinking I would prefer a different actress, because that it not my issue. I am upset that the only role for an Asian character is as a pet snake, but there's no point arguing for a better role now.
— Jen Moulton (@J_A_Moulton) September 27, 2018

I've said this elsewhere but the entire role is shitty. It's literally the role of an animal that is a pet that is later beheaded. I wouldn't want anyone to have it, Spanish man or otherwise. I bring up the fact that she's Asian cos she's the only 1 in the movie and she's a snake
— Jen Moulton (@J_A_Moulton) September 27, 2018

You're right about that. Hopefully the future movies will have main characters that aren't just more white actors.
— Jen Moulton (@J_A_Moulton) September 27, 2018

Literally the opposite of what I'm saying. My issue is that the only role given to an Asian actor is that of a pet snake.

She's the only Asian representation in the movie.

There could've been more Asian actors with main roles that aren't as pets.
— Jen Moulton (@J_A_Moulton) September 28, 2018

This is no hate on the actress.

I am mad the JK didn't write more/better roles so that the only Asian representation in the new movies wasn't as Voldemort's pet snake who gets beheaded.
— Jen Moulton (@J_A_Moulton) September 28, 2018

I think her attempts at representation are lazy seeing as her stories mainly have 3/4 all white main characters.
— Jen Moulton (@J_A_Moulton) September 28, 2018

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