As HBO’s series adaptation of the Harry Potter novels grows closer to reaching the public, John Lithgow’s position on author J.K. Rowling is evolving. At the Rotterdam Film Festival this weekend, Variety reports that the newly appointed Professor Dumbledore addressed questions about Rowling’s anti-trans activism and opinions, stating that “I find her views ironic and inexplicable” considering the nature of her work.
Said Lithgow, “I take the subject extremely seriously. 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.” He also went on to add that he has yet to meet Rowling, and that “she’s not really involved in [the HBO series] production at all. But the people who are, are remarkable.”
Lithgow also added that “it upsets me when people are opposed to me having anything to do with this. But in Potter canon you see no trace of transphobic sensitivity. She’s written this mediation of kindness and acceptance. And Dumbledore is a beautiful role.” He fully acknowledges, though, that staying with the project was “a hard decision. It made me uncomfortable and unhappy that people insisted I walk away from the job. I chose not to do that.”
In April 2025, Lithgow also addressed questions regarding Rowling, saying then that he didn’t understand “why is this a factor at all?” but that the criticism had not dissuaded him from taking on the role.
Lithgow is currently signed up to play Dumbledore across all eight planned seasons of Harry Potter, set to premiere on HBO and HBO Max in 2027. For a magical appetizer, here’s SNL’s recent mashup of the fantasy franchise and Heated Rivalry.
