John Lithgow Defies Backlash Over J.K. Rowling’s Trans Views, Says He “Chose Not to Walk Away” From HBO’s Harry Potter For This Reason

John Lithgow recently took the stage at the Rotterdam Film Festival to discuss his new film Jimpa, but the conversation quickly shifted to his controversial casting in the upcoming Harry Potter television series.

At 80 years old, the veteran actor has signed an eight-year contract to portray Albus Dumbledore, a role previously held by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon. During the panel, Lithgow addressed the ongoing backlash regarding J.K. Rowling’s public statements about the trans community.

I take the subject extremely seriously, Lithgow told the audience. He noted that while Rowling created a canon that has jumped into the consciousness of society, he find her views ironic and inexplicable. He clarified that he has never met the author and emphasized that she is not involved in the new production. He praised the creative team behind the HBO series as remarkable individuals he deeply respects.

The decision to join the Wizarding World was not a light one for the actor. Lithgow admitted that he felt uncomfortable and unhappy when people insisted he walk away from the job. However, he defended the source material, stating that in the Potter canon you see no trace of transphobic sensitivity. He views the books as a meditation of kindness and acceptance and remains committed to the project.

Reflecting on his age, Lithgow joked about the longevity of the commitment. I will be playing Dumbledore for the next eight years, he told the crowd. I felt: ‘Wow! That means I will live to be 88.’ I have that in writing. Despite his enthusiasm, the atmosphere grew tense when an audience member expressed disappointment and left the room in protest. Lithgow remained composed, stating he is perfectly ready for collisions of opinion.

Away from the Hogwarts set, Lithgow is currently celebrating the release of Jimpa, directed by Sophie Hyde. The film stars Olivia Colman as Hannah, who travels to Amsterdam to visit her father, Jimpa (Lithgow), a gay man who came out later in life. The story explores the complexities of family as Hannah’s non-binary teenager, Frances, played by Aud Mason-Hyde, decides to stay with their grandfather.

Lithgow spoke warmly of his co-star, saying Olivia has such access to her own emotional life, it’s so genuine. The production was a deeply personal one for Hyde, whose own father was an eccentric gay man. Lithgow felt a strong connection to the material, recalling his childhood in Ohio where he idolized the passionate gay men working in his father’s theater. He described the film as a necessary story for terrible times where people long for heart, laugh, love, and togetherness.

Beyond these projects, Lithgow has been remarkably active, recently winning a 2025 Olivier Award for his role as Roald Dahl in the play Giant, a performance he is expected to bring to Broadway in 2026.

He also stars alongside Geoffrey Rush in the 2025 thriller The Rule of Jenny Pen and continues to build on a legacy that includes six Emmys and two Tonys. As he enters this new chapter, Lithgow remains focused on the Holy Grail of acting: creating a reality where the audience forgets they are watching a performance.

Please share your thoughts on John Lithgow’s perspective and his new roles in the comments.