John Lithgow claims JK Rowling’s transgender views are “ironic and inexplicable” despite ‘Harry Potter’ role
John Lithgow has claimed that JK Rowling’s views on transgender people are “ironic and inexplicable”, despite taking on the role of Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO remake of the Harry Potter series.
The actor was speaking about his new role in an appearance at the Rotterdam Film Festival on February 1st, after the premiere of his latest film Jimpa. He explained his perception of Rowling, as well as his decision not to step away from the role after the controversy of his casting.
When asked about his thoughts on the author’s exclusionary views towards transgender people, Lithgow responded (per Variety): “I take the subject extremely seriously. She has created this amazing canon for young people and it has jumped into the consciousness of society. It’s about good versus evil, kindness versus cruelty. I find her views ironic and inexplicable.”
The actor then went on to add: “I’ve never met her, she’s not really involved in this production at all. But the people who are, are remarkable.”
Lithgow noted that he found the controversy that was sparked in light of his casting in the series “uncomfortable”, as he continued: “It upsets me when people are opposed to me having anything to do with this. But in Potter canon you see no trace of transphobic sensitivity. She’s written this mediation of kindness and acceptance. And Dumbledore is a beautiful role.”
Noting that it was a “hard decision” to join the project, which is set to last for eight years after its premiere in 2027, he said: “It made me uncomfortable and unhappy that people insisted I walk away from the job. I chose not to do that.”
Nevertheless, Lithgow’s comments still stirred division in the room as one audience member reportedly walked out in protest and seemingly overshadowed the original event of the Jimpa premiere.
In response, the actor tried to reason: “I’m perfectly ready for collisions of opinion. I understand it.”
Many of those starring alongside Lithgow in the remake of the series have also attracted controversy for taking on the job. A selection of the other main adult cast members include Nick Frost as Hagrid, Janet McTeer as Professor McGonigle, and Warwick Davis, who is reprising his original role from the Harry Potter films as Professor Filius Flitwick.
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