John Lithgow has addressed backlash to his casting in the upcomingHarry Potterseries for HBO after receiving an open letter asking him to quit the show. Lithgow was recently revealed to be joining thecast of theHarry PotterTV showas Dumbledore, picking up the mantle from Richard Harris and Michael Gambon before him. He is joined by Nick Frost as Hagrid, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, all of whom will have important roles in their lengthy tenures on the show.
However, speaking withThe Times of London(viaVariety), Lithgow discussed how he’d received backlash for his upcoming role as Dumbledore inHarry Potter.These pleas to reconsider his role werespecifically due to author J.K. Rowling’s controversial statements against the transgender community. The actor explained how he initially thought of the role in terms of how long he’d be able to commit to it, without considering any other outside factors:
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 just thinking about mortality and that this is a very good winding-down role.
However, when “a very good friend who is the mother of a trans child” directed him to an open letter fromBook Riot’s Dankia Ellis asking him to quit the show, he considered Rowling’s past comments carefully. Ultimately, though,he decided to keep his role as Dumbledore, statements against his casting not changing his mind. Check out more of what Lithgow had to say below:
That was the canary in the coal mine.
I thought, ‘Why is this a factor at all?’ 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.
[When asked if the backlash changed his mind on the role] Oh, heavens no.
What Lithgow’s Statement Says About His Harry Potter Casting
He’s Not Walking Away From Dumbledore
Rowling’s first major anti-transgender comments came about in 2020, with the author making controversial statements over the last few years. This has led to originalcast members ofHarry Pottercoming out against her statements, standing with transgender people who were impacted by her words, including the trio of original stars, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. However,her transphobic statements haven’t done anything to quell the success of the franchise, such as 2023’s video gameHogwarts Legacybecoming that year’s top-selling title at 22 million copies (it’s sold over 30 million in its lifetime).
Given Lithgow’s sentiments, it seems likehis decision to stay on the show has nothing to do with Rowling’s past comments, and instead the opportunity to portray Dumbledore as his last major acting role. Even though many actors from theHarry Pottermovieshave come out against her comments, it’s not deterred anyone involved in the show from making the series. However, it doesn’t take away from the reality of her opinions, which have propagated many anti-trans sentiments over the years.
Our Take On Lithgow Keeping His Role As Dumbledore Despite Backlash
It Makes Sense Given The Popularity Of The Project
Although there is seriousness to Rowling’s anti-trans comments, alienating a group of people with her rhetoric, it doesn’t appear to be a major factor for Lithgow in his decision to play Dumbledore. Instead,his viewpoint stems from a career-oriented path, though one that acknowledges he’ll likely meet the author despite her statements. What this could do for his future in theHarry PotterTV show is unclear, but it seems like he’s not letting anything stop him from his involvement in the role.
TheHarry PotterTV show is expected to premiere in either 2026 or 2027 on HBO and Max.
