John Lithgow, at 79, faces backlash for joining HBO's Harry Potter series due to J.K. Rowling's anti-trans views, as he plays Professor Albus Dumbledore. Despite receiving a heartfelt letter from a friend urging him to reconsider, he was surprised by the criticism and is curious to eventually discuss these issues with Rowling herself. Lithgow views this role as a significant commitment, likely his last major one, and emphasizes it as a fitting conclusion to his career. J.K. Rowling's recent celebration of a UK Supreme Court ruling against recognizing trans women under the Equality Act has intensified the controversy. Many actors associated with Harry Potter have publicly criticized Rowling for her stance on trans issues.

John Lithgow decided to join the HBO Harry Potter series, viewing the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore as a substantial eight-year commitment and a fitting finale to his acting career. At 79, he considers it a 'winding-down' role, reflecting on his own mortality.

Despite the backlash, Lithgow was taken aback by the level of criticism he received, especially after a personal plea from a friend with a trans child, which highlighted the contentious nature of J.K. Rowling's views on transgender rights.

Lithgow received a poignant letter titled 'An Open Letter to John Lithgow: Please Walk Away from Harry Potter,' which served as an early warning about the potential backlash, yet he remains resolute in his decision to take the role.

J.K. Rowling's ongoing anti-trans stance, exemplified by her approval of a UK Supreme Court ruling against the recognition of trans women under the Equality Act, has sparked widespread controversy and criticism from many actors within the Harry Potter franchise.

Lithgow expressed a desire to understand Rowling's perspective and is open to discussing the ramifications of her views, indicating a curiosity about how she has perceived the backlash and controversy surrounding her statements.

The actor remains steadfast in his choice to participate in the series, asserting that the backlash has not influenced his decision, and he looks forward to contributing to the Harry Potter universe despite the surrounding disputes.

Rowling's anti-trans activism has created a significant divide within the Harry Potter community, with numerous actors publicly condemning her, underscoring the broader cultural and social debates about transgender rights and representation.

John Lithgow is opening up about backlash.

The 79-year-old actor spoke to The Times on Sunday (April 27), addressing the response he’s received for joining HBO‘s upcoming Harry Potter series amid J.K. Rowling‘s anti-trans crusade.

“Of course, it was a big decision because it’s probably the last major role I’ll play,” he said.

“It’s an eight-year commitment so I was just thinking about mortality and that this is a very good winding-down role,” he continued.

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John is set to play Professor Albus Dumbledore, and said he “absolutely” didn’t expect to get so much criticism for taking on the role.

However, before he took on the role, he received a letter from “a very good friend who is the mother of a trans child,” titled “An Open Letter to John Lithgow: Please Walk Away from Harry Potter.”

“That was the canary in the coal mine,” he said.

“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, he said: “Oh, heavens no.”

The author has tirelessly worked against the trans community for years. Most recently, J.K. celebrated the U.K.’s Supreme Court ruling that trans women should not be recognized as women under the Equality Act.

Many actors in the Harry Potter universe have criticized J.K. Rowling for her anti-trans sentiments.