HBO Max’s new “Harry Potter” TV series faced the potential departure of its Albus Dumbledore.
John Lithgow, cast as the iconic Hogwarts headmaster, reportedly contemplated leaving the project following backlash related to J.K. Rowling’s controversial anti-trans comments.
In an interview with The New York Times, Lithgow expressed his disagreement with Rowling’s stance on transgender issues but praised the “Harry Potter” books for promoting tolerance and opposing bigotry.
The Times highlighted that Lithgow, feeling the sting of online criticism, considered exiting the series but ultimately chose to remain. He acknowledged that Rowling’s controversies will likely be a recurring topic in his future interviews.
In the film “Jimpa,” Lithgow portrays the grandfather of a trans teenager, played by Aud Mason-Hyde. In an Out magazine interview, Mason-Hyde described Lithgow as “a beautiful human to work with,” yet found his involvement in “Harry Potter” troubling and somewhat hurtful.
Lithgow isn’t alone in distancing from Rowling’s views. Paapa Essiedu, cast as Severus Snape, joined many industry figures in signing an open letter advocating for trans rights and urging organizations like BAFTA, BBC, BFI, and Channel 4 to ensure the inclusion and protection of trans individuals.
The letter followed a controversial U.K. Supreme Court ruling that barred legal recognition of trans women as women, a decision celebrated by Rowling on social media.
