Harry Potter’ actor John Lithgow defends J.K. Rowling, says her trans views are ‘misrepresented’
Lithgow will portray Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone'
John Lithgow asserts that the opinions of JK Rowling regarding the transgender community have been "distorted and misconstrued" amidst ongoing criticism surrounding HBO's upcoming "Harry Potter" series.
Lithgow — who will portray Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" TV remake — feels the backlash to Rowling’s remarks isn’t always justified, even though his views don’t entirely align with hers.
In a conversation with The New Yorker Radio Hour, the 80-year-old actor admitted he was encouraged to withdraw from the series but stated, "I was not going to do that."
"For me, the reasons to be part of it far outweighed the arguments against Rowling’s actions and statements," he mentioned.
"I do not share many of her views. I believe they have been distorted and portrayed negatively, and she has somewhat cemented her stance at her expense."
Lithgow explained his choice to accept the role by saying, "The position offered a lot of appeal and provided job security in my later years. It’s important not to overlook those aspects.
"The entire debate around Rowling’s alleged bias appeared after things had already started progressing. I had already committed."
The "Giant" star also noted that it was the creative team, rather than Rowling, that attracted him to the project.
"I haven’t met her," he said, adding that producer Francesca Gardiner “was the key reason I accepted it.”
Nonetheless, he did not shy away from expressing his disappointment with her commentary, noting that he has been “taken aback and let down” by the tenor of her social media interactions.
Earlier in the year, Lithgow made a similar statement at the Rotterdam Film Festival, labeling Rowling’s opinions as “ironic and hard to understand,” emphasizing that the books themselves convey a different message.
The new "Harry Potter" series is slated to premiere during the 2026 Christmas season on HBO and be available for streaming on HBO Max.