United Kingdom, Aug. 10 -- Bel Powley "strongly disagrees" with J.K. Rowling's views on gender.

The 34-year-old actress has been cast as Harry Potter's aunt Petunia Dursley in the upcoming TV series based on Rowling's wizardry novels and explained that her love for the stories overrides any fear that being associated with the author's outspoken views on transgender rights.

Bel told The Daily Telegraph newspaper: "I strongly disagree with J.K. Rowling's views on gender.

"I think that the trans community deserve safety and dignity and respect and total acceptance."

The Possession star added: "But, I love Harry Potter. I grew up with the books. I am from that first generation of readers and, again, I love magic and spookiness."

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