Miriam Margolyes Says Again: Harry Potter is for Children, Not Adults

Miriam Margolyes, renowned for her portrayal of Professor Pomona Sprout in Harry Potter, has ignited a heated debate with her recent remarks on adult fans of the series. 

The seasoned actress, at 82, remains steadfast in her opinions despite the criticism they have garnered.

In a recent wave of reactions, Margolyes didn't shy away from addressing her views head-on. She appeared on Australia's ABC News Breakfast, reiterating her stance with a clear message: it's time for adult fans to "grow up" and explore new interests. Her message to Harry Potter's adult fanbase is simple: move on.

Despite the backlash, Margolyes isn't ruffled. "I'm not unhappy about it," she says, emphasising that her intention isn't to belittle the franchise. In fact, she holds Harry Potter in high regard, describing it as "a great series" and "a wonderful set of films," and proudly acknowledges her association with it. 

However, her concern lies with adult fans who, in her view, remain overly attached to a story primarily intended for children.

Her initial comments surfaced during an interview with New Zealand's 1News, where she expressed worry over adults still engulfed in the Potterverse. "They should be over that by now," Margolyes remarked. She further shared her astonishment over adults organising Harry Potter-themed weddings, illustrating her point about the extent of their fandom.

Margolyes's contribution to the Harry Potter series spans significant appearances in both the 2002 film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and the 2011 finale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Her roles have left an indelible mark on the series, making her comments even more poignant for the fan community.

The conversation Margolyes has ignited is not just about a beloved series; it reflects fandom, nostalgia, and the passage of time. 

While she calls for fans to diversify their interests and passions, her words remind us of the powerful grip stories can have on us, regardless of age.

It is interesting to note that many fans, particularly adults, still visit Harry Potter-related places in London and purchase their favourite Harry Potter merchandise. In fact, adults visit these places more frequently than children do.

House of Spells, the popular Harry Potter shop London, even reports that more adults visit the shop than children. This shows that adults have a strong affinity for Harry Potter. This ongoing affection from adults contradicts Margolyes' statement and illustrates how Harry Potter remains significant to people of all ages.