Trans filmmaker Lilly Wachowski has criticised Elon Musk and J.K. Rowling, describing them as “literal Nazis” and arguing that support for the Harry Potter franchise contributes to what she characterised as “trans genocide”.
Speaking in an interview with Variety, the Matrix co-creator accused both figures of contributing to what she sees as a growing global backlash against transgender rights. “These people are Nazis. They’re literal Nazis,” Wachowski said, before criticising Musk and Rowling for their influence on public debate surrounding trans issues.
Wachowski also argued that the United States has allowed extremist rhetoric to spread unchecked, warning that the impact extends beyond its borders. She said the international community should take steps to shield itself from what she described as the proliferation of harmful political messaging.
Turning to Rowling, Wachowski claimed that continued support for Harry Potter products indirectly supports anti-trans activism. “J.K. Rowling funds trans genocide, full stop. So, if you support Harry Potter, you’re supporting trans genocide,” she said. Wachowski argued that revenue generated by the franchise ultimately benefits Rowling and helps fund campaigns and legal efforts that transgender activists view as harmful to trans rights.
“The money that goes into you enjoying these products, a portion of that money goes to J.K. Rowling and that money goes into her funding anti-trans legislation all over the world,” Wachowski added.
During the interview, Wachowski also revisited a long-running political debate surrounding The Matrix and the appropriation of its “red pill” imagery by conservative commentators. She argued that political figures who invoke the phrase are not misunderstanding the film's themes but are instead repurposing its message for ideological ends.
“I can’t sit in a room and explain the movie to every single person who watches it,” Wachowski said. “They’re not misunderstanding the film; they’re co-opting a message.” She went on to compare such tactics to those employed by authoritarian political movements, arguing that they use the language and symbolism of their opponents to advance their own agendas.
Elsewhere in the interview, Wachowski praised director Christopher Nolan for casting trans actor Elliot Page in The Odyssey, describing the decision as an example of meaningful allyship. She also expressed frustration that, in her view, more filmmakers have not taken similar steps to increase opportunities for trans performers.
Discussing future projects, Wachowski revealed she has been working with actor and writer Abigail Thorn on a story titled Billionaire Killers. She described the project as a post-apocalyptic tale centred on a world in which wealthy elites retreat to fortified bunkers, prompting others to seek them out.
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