John Lithgow Wants to Talk to J.K. Rowling

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Actor John Lithgow, who plays Harry Potter character Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming series, admits he didn’t anticipate the criticism he’d receive for joining the cast due to J.K. Rowling’s controversial opinions on transgender issues. He’s expressed interest in discussing this with Rowling herself, as the show based on her novels is set to premiere next year. The series has been facing backlash that the movies never experienced, largely because of Rowling’s public statements on the topic, which date back to 2020.

During an interview with The Times of London regarding his portrayal of controversial children’s author Roald Dahl in the stage play ‘Giant’, Mark Lithgow couldn’t help but discuss the unavoidable subject of Harry Potter. Given the buzz surrounding his involvement in the project, it’s understandable. Lithgow noted that this role might be one of his last significant ones, considering it requires an eight-year commitment. He reflected on the idea of mortality, stating that this part serves as a suitable wind-down role for him.

Though death was weighing on his thoughts, it was J.K. Rowling’s stance on transgender people that seemed to preoccupy others. Soon after assuming the role, he received a link from a friend with a trans child to an article titled “An Open Letter to John Lithgow: Please Walk Away From Harry Potter“. He described this as a warning sign for the backlash to follow. Even after reading it, he remained unclear about the hatred Rowling experiences and why her personal opinions should matter when developing the new Harry Potter series.

I found myself questioning its significance. I’ve often pondered how J.K. Rowling came to incorporate this element. One day, I hope to cross paths with her, and I’m eager to discuss it with her.

John Lithgow Isn’t Letting the Criticism Get to Him

Despite the criticism he’s faced, the 79-year-old Lithgow, who played Olivia Colman’s gay grandfather in the drama “Jimpa“, remains unfazed. He has a clear understanding of his position and isn’t bothered by the negative comments. Throughout his career, he has portrayed trans characters and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. During the promotion of his 2014 film, “Love is Strange“, he publicly declared that no one should feel compelled to hide their identity or feel like a second-class citizen in society.

Even though there are people who say that Lithgow has compromised his principles for money by working on a project funded by someone as disliked as Rowling, this is something that puzzles the renowned actor: “People didn’t seem to mind when I took on the role of Dahl,” he stated, further questioning, “Why is it that I’m receiving so many messages about J.K. Rowling? Isn’t that strange?

Next, Lithgow will be seen in “Dexter: Resurrection”, where he’ll reprise his role as serial killer Arthur Mitchell for a brief spell. At present, you can watch him perform alongside Elliot Levey in “Giant”, a production that is now running at the Harold Pinter Theater in London’s West End.

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2025-04-28 17:02