John Lithgow Defends Role in HBO's 'Harry Potter' Series, Calls J.K. Rowling's Views on Trans Issues "Ironic and Inexplicable"

John Lithgow, the 80-year-old actor known for roles in "3rd Rock from the Sun" and "Dexter", spoke out at the International Film Festival Rotterdam on January 31, 2026, while promoting his film "Jimpa". There, he confronted criticism for joining HBO's "Harry Potter" series amid backlash against author J.K. Rowling's statements on transgender people.

Lithgow, cast as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore—a role previously played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the films—acknowledged the controversy directly. "I take the subject extremely seriously," he said. He described Rowling's views as "ironic and inexplicable," noting, "She has created this amazing canon for young people and it has jumped into the consciousness of the society. It's about good versus evil, kindness versus cruelty."

The actor emphasized that Rowling is not involved in the HBO production, praising the team adapting the books into an eight-season series: "The people who are, are remarkable." He added, "If you read through the "Harry Potter" canon, you see absolutely no trace of transphobic sensibility. She has written this great meditation on kindness and empathy and acceptance." Lithgow called the role "beautiful" but admitted joining the project was a "hard decision" that left him "uncomfortable and unhappy" due to public opposition.

This is not Lithgow's first response to the backlash. In April 2025, he revealed that a friend, described as "the mother of a trans child," alerted him to an open letter from Book Riot urging him to quit the role. The letter, written by Danika Ellis, argued that participating lends credence to Rowling's platform amid attacks on transgender people's rights, particularly transgender youth. Lithgow dismissed quitting, replying to his friend, "Oh, heavens no."

Lithgow remains committed, joking about his age: "I'm the oldest person in this entire room, just turned 80. And yet I signed a contract—I will be playing Dumbledore for the next eight years! I absolutely have to keep at it." He expressed openness to differing opinions: "I'm perfectly ready for collisions of opinion. I understand it." However, not all reactions were positive; one audience member walked out, protesting, "Things like these don't help."

The HBO series features a new cast, including Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Returning actors include Warwick Davis as Filius Flitwick. HBO executive Casey Bloys stated the series is slated for an early 2027 premiere.

Lithgow's remarks underscore a divide in the "Harry Potter" fandom, where fans and advocates for transgender people urge boycotts of projects tied to Rowling, viewing her statements as harmful to transgender rights and well-being. His decision to proceed reflects a focus on the books' messages of acceptance, separate from the author's personal views. The event revives discussions on how franchises navigate creator controversies, particularly those impacting transgender communities.