The upcoming Harry Potter television reboot has remained under close public scrutiny, not just for its creative direction but also for the controversy surrounding author JK Rowling’s views on transgender rights. While much of the newly announced cast has avoided speaking publicly, one key actor has now addressed the backlash and explained why he chose to stay on the project despite pressure to step away.
Veteran actor John Lithgow, who has been cast as Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s Harry Potter series, recently spoke about the reaction to his involvement. According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, Lithgow said the debate around Rowling’s views is something he approaches with seriousness and care, particularly because of its personal impact on people close to him.
Lithgow shared that some friends urged him to reconsider his decision, including one who has a transgender child and sent him an open letter asking him to withdraw from the series. He acknowledged that the situation left him feeling unsettled and unhappy, but he ultimately decided not to walk away from the role.
Lithgow said it felt confusing to him that the creator of such a widely loved world would express views that appear to clash with the spirit of acceptance found in the stories. He also clarified that he has never met Rowling and that she is not directly involved in the day-to-day creative process of the television adaptation.
He also noted that, within the Harry Potter narrative itself, he does not see messaging that reflects hostility toward transgender people. From his perspective, the character of Dumbledore represents compassion and moral guidance, making the role especially meaningful to him.
According to Variety, Lithgow’s comments did not end the debate. One audience member reportedly expressed disappointment over his involvement during the festival and left the venue in protest. Lithgow later said he understands that strong disagreements exist and accepts that his decision will not satisfy everyone.
Other cast members have also distanced themselves from Rowling’s views. Nick Frost, who will play Hagrid, previously told The Observer that while Rowling is entitled to her opinions, his own beliefs do not align with hers. Paapa Essiedu, cast as Severus Snape, has publicly supported trans rights and signed an industry petition calling for greater protections.
Rowling, responding on social media to speculation about Essiedu’s casting, stated that she does not have the authority to remove actors from the series and would not do so based on differing beliefs.
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Lithgow shared that some friends urged him to reconsider his decision, including one who has a transgender child and sent him an open letter asking him to withdraw from the series. He acknowledged that the situation left him feeling unsettled and unhappy, but he ultimately decided not to walk away from the role.
Calling Rowling’s views 'ironic' in contrast to Harry Potter
Speaking during an appearance at the Rotterdam Film Festival, Lithgow said he finds Rowling’s public stance difficult to reconcile with the themes of the Harry Potter books. He explained that the series has long been embraced by readers of all ages because it centres on ideas of empathy, moral choice, and the conflict between kindness and cruelty.Lithgow said it felt confusing to him that the creator of such a widely loved world would express views that appear to clash with the spirit of acceptance found in the stories. He also clarified that he has never met Rowling and that she is not directly involved in the day-to-day creative process of the television adaptation.
Why Lithgow chose to stay with the project
Despite the criticism, Lithgow said he did not believe stepping away was the right choice for him. He explained that the people currently adapting the books for television are creatives he respects and wants to collaborate with, and that this played a major role in his decision.He also noted that, within the Harry Potter narrative itself, he does not see messaging that reflects hostility toward transgender people. From his perspective, the character of Dumbledore represents compassion and moral guidance, making the role especially meaningful to him.
According to Variety, Lithgow’s comments did not end the debate. One audience member reportedly expressed disappointment over his involvement during the festival and left the venue in protest. Lithgow later said he understands that strong disagreements exist and accepts that his decision will not satisfy everyone.
Other cast members have also distanced themselves from Rowling’s views. Nick Frost, who will play Hagrid, previously told The Observer that while Rowling is entitled to her opinions, his own beliefs do not align with hers. Paapa Essiedu, cast as Severus Snape, has publicly supported trans rights and signed an industry petition calling for greater protections.
Rowling, responding on social media to speculation about Essiedu’s casting, stated that she does not have the authority to remove actors from the series and would not do so based on differing beliefs.