Amidst a maelstrom of criticism directed at J.K. Rowling from fellow luminaries such as Nicola Coughlan, Pedro Pascal, and David Tennant, and with the presidential administration fuelling anti-trans discourse, John Lithgow finds himself perplexed by the significance attached to the author's views in his decision to embody the iconic character of Albus Dumbledore in HBO's upcoming serialized adaptation of Harry Potter.
In an interview with The Times U.K., the Conclave actor revealed that he hadn't anticipated the wave of backlash against his involvement and that the audience's condemnation hadn't deterred him from pressing ahead with the project. "I pondered, why should this be a consideration at all? I wondered how J.K. Rowling herself had digested it all. Presumably, at some juncture, I'll cross paths with her, and I'm eagerly anticipating the conversation," he expressed. When queried if the criticism had swayed him in any way, he promptly retorted, "Oh, heavens no."
The seasoned actor revealed that he remained undeterred when a "very close friend," who happens to be the mother of a transgender child, forwarded him an article titled "An Open Letter to John Lithgow: Please Step Away from Harry Potter." He confessed that this exchange served as the "canary in the coal mine," forewarning him of the impending backlash. When quizzed about whether he anticipated such scathing criticism, Lithgow remarked, "Not at all. It was indeed a pivotal decision, likely marking my final significant role. With an eight-year commitment, my thoughts lingered on mortality and how this could be a fitting, graceful exit."
A recipient of the Tony, Golden Globe, and the newly acquired Olivier Award, Lithgow is currently reprising his role as Roald Dahl in 'Giant' at London's Harold Pinter Theatre. He expressed bewilderment over the lack of criticism towards his portrayal of the notorious antisemitic author, stating, "No objections arose when I agreed to embody Dahl, yet I've been inundated with messages about J.K. Rowling. Isn't that peculiar?"
Previously, Lithgow had addressed the concerns of Harry Potter fans regarding his suitability to play the beloved professor and mentor in the wizarding realm. He reasserted to The Times U.K. his initial apprehension about an American actor being accepted in a quintessentially British role. "I shall follow in the footsteps of the esteemed Michael Gambon. Though I'm not English, I've portrayed one convincingly on TV," he shared on BBC's The One Show earlier this month. "Let me remind you that I portrayed Winston Churchill in 'The Crown' to great acclaim."
As previously reported by Deadline, HBO Chairman Casey Bloys has highlighted Rowling's intimate involvement in the series as an executive producer. The CEO has skirted questions about Rowling's widely condemned stance, remarking, "That's a highly polarized online debate, nuanced and intricate, which we won't delve into. Our focus lies in what's presented on screen. Undeniably, the Harry Potter narrative is profoundly affirming, positive, and centered on love and self-acceptance. That's our priority – what's shown on screen."
