John Lithgow responds to J.K. Rowling backlash after joining Harry Potter series: Why is this a factor?

John Lithgow isn’t being intimidated by “Harry Potter” fans.The actor, 79, did an interview with The Times of London published Sunday where he addressed the backlash he’s gotten for joining HBO’s “Harry Potter” TV series because of J.K.Rowling’s anti-trans controversies.

Lithgow said he “absolutely” didn’t expect to get so much hate from the author’s many critics.“Of course, it was a big decision because it’s probably the last major role I’ll play,” Lithgow said.“It’s an eight-year commitment so I was just thinking about mortality and that this is a very good winding-down role.”The “Conclave” star revealed that before he signed onto the “Harry Potter” show to play Professor Albus Dumbledore, “a very good friend who is the mother of a trans child” sent him an open letter titled “An Open Letter to John Lithgow: Please Walk Away from Harry Potter.”“That was the canary in the coalmine,” Lithgow said.He added: “I thought, ‘Why is this a factor at all?’ I wonder how J.K.

Rowling has absorbed it.I suppose at a certain point I’ll meet her, and I’m curious to talk to her.”When asked if the backlash has made him reconsider joining the cast, Lithgow replied, “Oh, heavens no.”Rowling’s controversial comments about the transgender community have been met with backlash over the last few years.

“Harry Potter” movie stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson even spoke out to publicly disagree with her back in 2020.Despite her views, Rowling is one of the executive producers of HBO’s television adaptation of her famous book series.HBO CEO Casey Bloys confirmed in November that Rowling has “been fairly involved” in the making of the show, which is expected to debut on Max in 2026.“She was very involved in the process of selecting the writer and the director,” Bloys told reporters at a press event.“I imagine she’ll have opinions on casting.

It hasn’t affected the casting or hiring of w...