John Lithgow Stands by Harry Potter Role Despite Transgender Backlash

John Lithgow has stood firm in his decision to remain involved with HBO Max’s upcoming “Harry Potter” television adaptation amid criticism over J.K. Rowling’s transgender-related views.

The actor, who will portray Albus Dumbledore in the eight-season series, addressed the controversy during an onstage discussion at the 55th International Film Festival Rotterdam on Sunday. Lithgow described Rowling’s position as “ironic and somewhat inexplicable,” emphasizing his commitment to the project despite recent backlash.

“I take the subject and the issue extremely seriously,” he stated. “J.K. Rowling has created this amazing canon for young people, young kids’ literature that has jumped into the consciousness of society. Young and old people love Harry Potter and the Harry Potter stories. It’s so much about acceptance. It’s about good versus evil. It’s about kindness versus cruelty. It’s deeply felt.”

Lithgow clarified he has never met Rowling and confirmed she is “not really involved in this production at all.” He praised the team adapting the franchise, stating they are “remarkable” and his preferred collaborators.

When asked whether criticism had changed his mind, Lithgow replied, “Oh, heavens no.” He described deciding to stay with the project as difficult but affirmed it was “a hard decision on the basis of that [issue],” adding, “It made me very uncomfortable and unhappy that people were actively insisting that I walk away from this job. But I chose not to do that.”

Lithgow previously recalled receiving an “Open Letter to John Lithgow: Please Walk Away from Harry Potter” from a close friend who is the mother of a transgender child, calling it “the canary in the coal mine.” Despite mounting pressure, he confirmed the controversy has not led him to reconsider his involvement with the series.