John Lithgow Says He Almost Backed Out of Playing Dumbledore in HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Over J.K. Rowling Backlash

John Lithgow, who has been cast as Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, revealed that he almost backed out of the role due to the backlash surrounding J.K. Rowling's views on transgender issues. In a recent interview, Lithgow expressed that he is aware this topic will come up in every interview he does for the rest of his life, indicating the ongoing controversy surrounding Rowling's anti-trans views. He stated, "Every interview I will ever do for the rest of my life, this will come up," highlighting the significant impact of Rowling's opinions on the production of the series. Lithgow clarified that he has never met J.K. Rowling and does not agree with her views. He emphasized that the story of the upcoming TV series is "clearly on the side of the angels, against intolerance and bigotry." This statement reflects his stance on the themes of the series, which he believes align with a message of acceptance and understanding. The actor's comments come as the series faces backlash even before its debut, with concerns about Rowling's influence on the project. The controversy surrounding Rowling has been a significant topic of discussion, particularly in relation to the Harry Potter franchise. Lithgow's remarks indicate a clear disassociation from Rowling's views while affirming his commitment to the role of Dumbledore. As the series progresses towards its release, the interplay between the show's narrative and Rowling's public persona continues to be a focal point for both fans and critics alike.