Veteran actor John Lithgow has publicly described author JK Rowling's views on transgender rights as "ironic and somewhat inexplicable," while discussing the significant backlash he has faced for accepting the role of Albus Dumbledore in the forthcoming Harry Potter television adaptation. The acclaimed performer, who recently turned eighty, made these candid remarks during an appearance at the Rotterdam Film Festival, following a screening of his latest cinematic project, Jimpa.
Addressing Controversy at Rotterdam Festival
Speaking to an audience at the prestigious festival, Lithgow expressed his deep engagement with the subject, acknowledging the profound impact of Rowling's literary creation. "I take the subject extremely seriously," he stated, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter. "JK Rowling has crafted this remarkable canon for young people, a body of children's literature that has permeated societal consciousness. People of all ages adore Harry Potter and its narratives. The stories fundamentally revolve around acceptance, the classic struggle of good versus evil, and the contrast between kindness and cruelty. These themes are profoundly heartfelt."
A Stance on Rowling's Views
Lithgow elaborated on his personal perspective regarding the author's publicly stated positions. "I find it ironic and somewhat inexplicable that Rowling has expressed such views," he commented. "I have read about them, though I have never personally met her. It is important to note that she is not directly involved in this production. The creative team tasked with re-adapting Harry Potter into an expansive eight-year television series are truly exceptional individuals... These are people I am genuinely eager to collaborate with."
The actor revealed the personal toll of the criticism directed at his decision to join the project. "It upsets me when people are vehemently opposed to me having anything to do with this," he admitted. However, he firmly distinguished the author's personal views from the content of her work. "In the Potter canon itself, you find no indication of transphobic sensitivity. She has authored this meditation on kindness and acceptance. And the role of Dumbledore is a beautifully written character."
Navigating Personal and Professional Backlash
Lithgow shared a poignant example of the direct appeals he received, disclosing that a friend with a transgender child sent him a link to an article titled, "An open letter to John Lithgow: Please walk away from Harry Potter." Reflecting on the difficulty of his choice, he said, "It was a hard decision. It made me uncomfortable and unhappy that people insisted I walk away from the job. I chose not to do that."
The festival event itself was not without confrontation. According to Variety, one audience member expressed disappointment at Lithgow's choice to remain with the series, subsequently leaving the room in protest. The actor responded with equanimity, stating, "I'm perfectly ready for collisions of opinion. I understand it."
Context of Rowling's Public Statements
JK Rowling's stance on transgender issues entered the public domain prominently in 2020, when she published a detailed 3,600-word statement online. In it, she criticised proposed reforms to gender recognition laws, drawing upon her personal experiences of sexual assault and domestic violence. Rowling has stated her opposition to what she terms "the new trans activism," particularly objecting to cisgender women sharing single-sex spaces with transgender women, arguing it could compromise women's safety.
Her activism has extended to financial support, including a £70,000 donation to the campaign group For Women Scotland, which was instrumental in legal challenges concerning the definition of a woman. She also established the JK Rowling Women's Fund, which supports efforts to retain sex-based rights.
Broader Cast Reactions and Production Details
Lithgow is not the only cast member associated with the new HBO series to address this divisive issue. Fellow actors Nick Frost, cast as Hagrid, and Paapa Essiedu, playing Snape, have also distanced themselves from Rowling's views since joining the production. Rowling herself addressed the matter last year, clarifying on social media that she would not seek to dismiss Essiedu for supporting trans rights, writing, "I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series and I wouldn't exercise it if I did."
This follows similar critical statements from the lead stars of the original film series—Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint—as well as Eddie Redmayne from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, all of whom have publicly differed from the author's position.
The Ambitious Harry Potter Television Series
The highly anticipated television adaptation, described by HBO as a "faithful adaptation" of Rowling's beloved book series, is scheduled to premiere in 2027. The project mirrors the ambitious scope of the original eight feature films, released between 2001 and 2011. Casey Bloys, Chair and CEO of HBO and Max Content, has indicated the series is planned to run for "10 consecutive years," representing a monumental long-term commitment for all involved.
Lithgow humorously alluded to this extensive timeline during his Rotterdam appearance. "I'm the oldest person in this entire room, just turned 80," he joked. "And yet I signed a contract – I will be playing Dumbledore for the next eight years! I absolutely have to keep at it. I felt: 'Wow! That means I will live to be 88.' I have that in writing." His comments underscore both the professional opportunity and the personal significance of this role at this stage in his illustrious career.
