John Lithgow considered quitting Harry Potter reboot over JK Rowling’s trans views
John Lithgow. (Getty)
John Lithgow has addressed backlash over his involvement in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, which is set to span seven seasons beginning in 2027 and will feature Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore.
In an interview with The New York Times, Lithgow said he has never met JK Rowling and does not share her views on transgender issues.
Rowling has drawn sustained criticism in recent years for statements about gender identity.
Lithgow emphasised that he views the Harry Potter story itself as being “on the side of the angels, against intolerance and bigotry,” and said he believed his own work, including performances in Garp and Jimpa which are connected to queer characters and themes, made his values clear.
The actor acknowledged that some criticism, including from members of the LGBTQ+ community, had been difficult, noting he briefly considered leaving the project before deciding to stay.
He said he now expects in “every interview I will ever do for the rest of my life this will come up”.
In February, he told The Hollywood Reporter that he finds it “ironic and somewhat inexplicable that Rowling has expressed such views”.
Lithgow is far from the only actor who has been criticised for joining the Harry Potter reboot.
Johnny Flynn came under fire after he was announced for the role of Lucius Malfoy in February.
Similarly, Nick Frost disabled comments on his announcement post when he was confirmed to be playing Rubeus Hagrid.
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