John Lithgow is addressing the criticism surrounding his casting as Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, acknowledging the backlash stemming from author J.K. Rowling’s controversial remarks on transgender issues.

In a recent interview with The Times (U.K.), Lithgow shared that he was surprised by the feedback he received after accepting the role, especially given the ongoing debate over Rowling’s transphobic comments. The actor revealed that some friends and fans had reached out to him, urging him to reconsider the role. One friend even sent him a link to an article titled “An Open Letter to John Lithgow: Please Walk Away From Harry Potter.”

Before he accepted the role, Lithgow said a close friend—a mother of a trans child—sent him a similar message, which he described as “the canary in the coal mine” regarding the controversy surrounding Rowling‘s views.

John Lithgow on Criticism of Playing Dumbledore

When asked if he expected the criticism, Lithgow responded, “No, absolutely not. 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 thinking about mortality and that this is a very good winding-down role.” He also expressed confusion about why the focus is so heavily on Rowling, while his acceptance of other controversial roles, like playing Roald Dahl in the West End play Giant, didn’t receive similar backlash.

Lithgow emphasized that his primary concern was whether fans would accept him, an American actor, portraying the iconic British character of Dumbledore.

“I thought, why is this a factor at all?” Lithgow said, adding, “I wonder how J.K. Rowling has absorbed it. I suppose at a certain point I’ll meet her and I’m curious to talk to her.” However, he also made it clear that the criticism did not deter him from taking on the role, saying, “Oh, heavens no.”

The Backlash Surrounding J.K. Rowling‘s Involvement

When HBO announced the Harry Potter series in April 2023, Rowling’s involvement as an executive producer sparked immediate outrage. Many critics have pointed to the author’s history of controversial comments on transgender issues, which include opposing transgender women’s inclusion in certain spaces and supporting policies that restrict the rights of trans individuals.

At the time of the announcement, Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, defended Rowling’s involvement, stating, “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 went on to highlight that the Harry Potter story itself promotes messages of love and acceptance, which is what the show aims to showcase.

Public Figures Speak Out Against J.K. Rowling

Since Rowling’s remarks, several celebrities, including John Oliver and Pedro Pascal, have publicly criticized her views, and the issue has sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of art, artists, and controversial opinions.

While Lithgow continues to stand by his decision to take on the role of Dumbledore, the debate over Rowling‘s involvement remains a significant topic of discussion among fans and industry professionals alike.