John Lithgow, the acclaimed American actor set to portray Headmaster Dumbledore in the new “Harry Potter” television series, finds himself at the centre of an unexpected storm — and admits he struggles to understand the furore surrounding author J.K. Rowling.
Since the announcement that Lithgow, 79, would step into the role of Dumbledore in the highly anticipated TV adaptation, the veteran actor has faced a wave of criticism. The backlash stems from Rowling’s controversial views, as the author has repeatedly positioned herself as a vocal opponent of the transgender rights movement.
In an interview with The Times, Lithgow expressed his bewilderment at the situation. “Why is this even a factor?” he questioned, admitting that his concerns when accepting the role were of a very different nature. “I thought about many things, such as the fact that this might be the last major role of my life. It’s an eight-year commitment, so I reflected a lot on mortality and considered this a wonderful farewell role.”
However, once his casting was made public, the conversation shifted rapidly. Lithgow revealed that he received numerous messages, including one from a close friend — the mother of a transgender child — expressing disappointment. The situation escalated further with the circulation of an open letter urging him to step down from the series. The letter argued that such a move would “send a powerful message to young trans people that they are more important than a fantasy franchise.”
Despite the criticism, Lithgow remains committed to open dialogue. An actor with a history of portraying both gay and transgender characters, he advocates for discussion rather than division. Reflecting on the controversy, he said, “I wonder how J.K. Rowling has taken all of this. I suppose I will meet her at some point. I’m very curious to have a conversation with her.”
Lithgow’s approach stands in stark contrast to the increasingly polarised discourse surrounding Rowling’s public statements. While acknowledging the intensity of the debate, he appears to favour engagement over confrontation, maintaining a tone of curiosity rather than condemnation.
As the “Harry Potter” series moves into a new era with its television adaptation, it remains to be seen how this complex intersection of art, personal beliefs, and public opinion will unfold — and how figures like Lithgow will navigate the pressures of representing a beloved but increasingly controversial fictional universe.
