John Lithgow nearly quit ‘Harry Potter’ due to J.K. Rowling’s anti-trans beliefs

With HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series already stirring controversy before its premiere, one actor is expressing his clear perspective.

After being cast as Dumbledore, John Lithgow recently mentioned that he has neither met the books' creator J.K. Rowling nor supports her views against transgender individuals, issues which have affected the production of the show.

The two-time Oscar nominee told The New York Times that he accepted the role as he believes the books champion values of fairness and oppose discrimination and prejudice.

When his co-star, the non-binary performer Aud Mason-Hyde from Jimpa, voiced concerns about his decision to accept the role, Lithgow acknowledged that “this topic will arise in every interview I do from now on.”

Previously, Mason-Hyde expressed to OUT that the casting choice “felt somewhat unsettling,” noting, “It was undoubtedly a challenging time. While I can't comment on John's motives, I think it was a peculiar choice. Also, it made me uneasy, possibly that's the best word to describe it.”

Last April, Lithgow was announced to play Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter, a project led by writer/showrunner Francesca Gardiner, alongside executive producer Mark Mylod, who will direct several episodes for HBO in collaboration with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros Television.

This series adaptation emerges as Rowling faces ongoing backlash over her anti-transgender comments from both audiences and colleagues, including members of the franchise and director Christopher Columbus.

Rowling previously expressed support for the UK Supreme Court's decision preventing trans women from being officially recognised as women.

More than 400 people have signed a petition urging the country's film and television sector to address trans rights, including Paapa Essiedu, who is cast as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series.