Actor John Lithgow has taken on the role of Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter series. Despite calls to back out due to J.K. Rowling's controversial views, he's decided to accept the role and shared why.
American actor John Lithgow spoke about his role in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, where he’ll play Professor Albus Dumbledore. He made these comments during a discussion at the Rotterdam Film Festival, where he was also introducing his new movie, Jimpa. Lithgow admitted that his decision to take on the role has sparked mixed reactions, especially given the ongoing controversies surrounding the book’s author, J.K. Rowling.
Lithgow acknowledged facing considerable criticism from fans and activists due to the project's connection with J.K. Rowling, who many criticize for her views on trans rights. He described Rowling's opinions as “ironic and inexplicable,” especially since, in his view, the world of Harry Potter is based on acceptance, kindness, and empathy. He also emphasized that Rowling is not actively involved in the series' production.
“The world of Potter is about good versus evil, kindness versus cruelty,” Lithgow said, adding that he “sees no trace of transphobia” in the books' texts. Despite calls for him to reject the role, he decided to stay with the project.
The actor also humorously noted that although he recently celebrated his 80th birthday, he signed an eight-year contract for the series – essentially tying him to the character of Dumbledore until the age of 88.
The upcoming Harry Potter series, produced by HBO, is set to be an extensive and faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling's books, with a premiere expected in 2027.
