John Lithgow on Playing Dumbledore in ‘Harry Potter’ Series and J.K. Rowling’s Trans Views: ‘People Insisted I Walk Away From the Job. I Chose Not to Do That’

John Lithgow, the actor cast as Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming "Harry Potter" series, spoke about his role and J.K. Rowling's controversial views on transgender issues during a discussion at the Rotterdam Film Festival. Lithgow described Rowling's stance as "ironic and inexplicable," pointing out a contradiction between her statements and the moral themes present in her works, which often explore concepts of good versus evil and the importance of kindness. He emphasized that he takes the subject of transgender rights "extremely seriously" (Hollywood Reporter). Despite the backlash surrounding Rowling's comments, which have drawn significant criticism, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community, Lithgow chose to remain involved with the project. He noted that some people urged him to walk away from the role due to her views, but he stated, "I chose not to do that." Lithgow referred to his eight-year contract for the role as "insane," indicating the significant commitment he has made to the series (Fox News). The discussion surrounding Lithgow's comments reflects a broader cultural debate about gender identity and the responsibilities of public figures. Rowling's controversial stance has prompted a reevaluation of her legacy in light of her literary contributions, highlighting the complexities of navigating personal beliefs in the public sphere (Rolling Stone). The ongoing discourse around Rowling's views and their implications for her characters and stories underscores the enduring impact of literature on social issues (Hollywood Reporter).