Following his casting as Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming television adaptation of `Harry Potter,` veteran actor John Lithgow (known for roles in `Dexter` and `How I Met Your Mother`) revealed that he has faced pressure from LGBT activists urging him to step down from the part. He shared this information in a recent interview.
The author of the original `Harry Potter` book series, J.K. Rowling, is a prominent advocate for women`s rights, a stance that has led her to express controversial views regarding transgender identity. Her statements on these issues have frequently drawn significant criticism and online backlash directed at both her and her literary works.
Lithgow explained that after his involvement in the series was announced, he was contacted by some LGBT activists, including a person he described as a “good friend,” who demanded he leave the production. Their primary justification was the belief that the `Harry Potter` franchise carries associations with “transphobia,” and that his participation in the new show would serve to “strengthen Rowling`s platform in her crusade against transgender people.” The actor conveyed his surprise at receiving such requests and stated he finds the reasons behind this intense opposition unclear. He also mentioned being interested in potentially discussing the matter directly with J.K. Rowling. When questioned directly about whether these demands had caused him to reconsider taking on the role, Lithgow offered a clear and definitive negative response, saying, “Oh, God, no.”
The television series adapting the `Harry Potter` saga was first announced in April 2023. Plans indicate that the show is designed to “last a decade,” aiming to cover the narrative events of the seven original books comprehensively, effectively dedicating roughly one season per book. The creators have expressed their commitment to adapting the source material written by J.K. Rowling with a high degree of fidelity and detail.
Finley Holt