After everything that transpired in the J.K. Rowling trans rights row, many thought that John Lithgow would exit HBO’s upcoming ‘Harry Potter‘ series. However, the 80-year-old has made his intentions clear and stands by his decision to star in the show.
Neither Rowling slowed down her controversial views on the LGBTQ+ community, nor did Lithgow quit the project. However, criticisms were fired from every corner of the Internet. Now, the actor has explained why he is looking forward to playing the role of Dumbledore despite his personal disappointment over Rowling’s stance.
Jon Lithgow Will Not Walk Away From ‘Harry Potter’ Despite All The Controversy
During his recent appearance at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), Jon Lithgow made it clear that he will never step back from the role of Dumbledore. He stated how the ‘Harry Potter‘ series is loved by everyone and is deeply felt. He further pointed out that everything regarding J.K. Rowling’s statements affects him. “Of course, it upsets me when people are vehemently opposed to my having anything to do with this”, said Lithgow.
In his mind, Dumbledore is a great character and has much to offer. Lithgow continued, “It was a hard decision based on that (controversy), and it made me very uncomfortable and unhappy that people were actively insisting that I walk away from this job. But I chose not to do that.”
He also emphasized how the people who are adapting ‘Harry Potter’ for an eight-year-long show are remarkable, and he wants to work with them. Apart from defending his role, he also gave strong opinions regarding the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling.
Jon Lithgow Expresses Disappointment With J.K. Rowling’s Views On Trans Rights
J.K. Rowling has been actively criticised for her political views regarding the transgender community for years. Some fans thought that Jon Lithgow supported her stance by saying yes to the ‘Harry Potter‘ franchise. But he cleared the air, stating that Rowling is not involved in the production of the show at all.
He revealed that he finds it “ironic and somewhat inexplicable” that the author has expressed such views despite delivering a story about acceptance in ‘Harry Potter‘. In his mind, the series has no trace of a transphobic agenda. “She has written this great meditation on kindness and empathy and acceptance, which is why it’s so strange to me,” Lithgow said.
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He then added that all the criticism hasn’t deterred him from portraying the iconic Hogwarts Headmaster whatsoever. Over the years, the three main leads of the ‘Harry Potter’ film series – Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint – have called out Rowling’s controversial remarks.
Radcliffe also expressed how it makes him sad to witness such statements and aims to separate her views from the contributions she made over her career. Watson, on the other hand, got into a full-blown feud with Rowling. Grint knows there will never be the last ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child‘ movie because the Golden Trio actors can’t work with the author anymore.
Maybe the TV show can help revive the franchise without crumbling under the shadows of its creator’s real-world controversies.
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