John Lithgow says he was caught off guard by the criticism he received after signing on to play Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series. In a new interview with The Times, the actor revealed that friends and fans reached out, urging him to reconsider because of J.K. Rowling’s controversial remarks about the transgender community.
One friend even sent him a link to an article titled “An Open Letter to John Lithgow: Please Walk Away From Harry Potter.” Another warning came earlier, before he had accepted the role, from “a very good friend who is the mother of a trans child,” he said, calling it “the canary in the coal mine.“
“Absolutely Not” Expecting the Backlash
When asked if he anticipated the reaction, Lithgow was direct:
“No, absolutely not,” he said. “Of course, it was a big decision because it’s probably the last major role I’ll play. It’s an eight-year commitment, so I was just thinking about mortality and that this is a very good winding-down role.“
Despite the controversy surrounding Rowling, Lithgow said it didn’t discourage him. “Oh, heavens no,” he added.
Rather, his primary worry was whether Harry Potter enthusiasts would embrace an American actor filling the shoes of a much-loved British icon such as Dumbledore.
Confusion Over Uneven Criticism
Lithgow also noted what he perceives as an inconsistency.
Although he now stands accused of pushback regarding Rowling’s association with the series, he explained that there was no such response when he depicted author Roald Dahl within the West End production of Giant, despite the author’s long-documented antisemitism.
“No one complained when I agreed to play Dahl, but I’ve received so many messages about J.K. Rowling,” he said. “Isn’t that odd?“
HBO Defends Rowling’s Role in the Series
When HBO first announced the Harry Potter series in April 2023, Rowling’s role as executive producer sparked immediate backlash. However, HBO executives stood by the decision.
“J.K. is an executive producer, and her insights will be helpful,” said Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max content, at the time. “We’re comfortable being in the Potter business. J.K. is a very online conversation. … It’s very nuanced and complicated and not something we’re going to get into. Our priority is what’s onscreen.“
Bloys emphasized that the focus remains on the original themes of love and acceptance in the Harry Potter story.
Rowling’s Ongoing Controversies
Rowling has remained in the news for her opinions on matters related to trans issues, most recently in favor of a U.K. court decision defining women in law as those born biologically female. She has further opined against permitting transgender sportspeople to compete in women’s sports.
Public figures such as Pedro Pascal and John Oliver have publicly criticized her words, contributing to the polarized debate regarding her role in the new Harry Potter franchise.
