John Lithgow Says J.K. Rowling’s Views Have Been ‘Misrepresented’ Amid ‘Harry Potter’ Reboot

John Lithgow, who appears in the newly released trailer as Dumbledore, recently told The New Yorker that Harry Potter author J.K Rowling’s views on trans issues have been “misrepresented,” a stance that has left many fans frustrated.

Previously, the actor spoke out against Rowling’s views, calling her stance “inexplicable” and claiming he almost left the project over it. He told The New York Times that he was hurt by the response to his casting, and ultimately felt the series was “clearly on the side of the angels, against intolerance and bigotry.”

However, in his recent comments to The New Yorker Radio Hour, Lithgow calls Rowling’s comments “twisted and misrepresented.” He added that while he disagrees with some of her comments, the opportunity to take on the iconic role ultimately outweighed any hesitation. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/Dominic McLaughlin /Photograph by Aidan Monaghan/HBO

“There was everything attractive about the job, and job security into my late years. You don’t ignore those issues,” Lithgow said. “The reasons to do it were much, much stronger than the reasons to protest against what Rowling has done and said.

“The other positive on the ‘Harry Potter’ project is the people who have taken it on themselves. Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod have an extraordinary partnership. Francesca… she persuaded me, she’s the big reason I took it on.”

Lithgow also revealed he was encouraged by others to walk away from the project. “I was urged to walk away, and I was not about to do that,” he said.

While he noted that he does “disagree with much of it,” he reiterated his stance, adding, “much of it I think has been twisted and misrepresented, and she has doubled down on it at her own cost.” Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/Alastair Stout, Dominic McLaughlin and Arabella Stanton
Photograph by Aidan Monaghan/HBO

At the same time, Lithgow said he has been “surprised and disappointed” by the tone of Rowling’s social media posts, though he emphasized that she was not directly involved in his decision to join the series. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/John Lithgow/Photograph by Lara Cornell/HBO

“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,” he added. “She’s written this meditation of kindness and acceptance. And Dumbledore is a beautiful role.”

The comments come as HBO begins rolling out its Harry Potter reboot, with Lithgow’s first appearance as Dumbledore already featured in the newly released trailer. Rowling remains attached to the series as an executive producer, continuing to spark conversation among fans as the project moves toward its Christmas debut.

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