‘Harry Potter’ Series Actor John Lithgow Perplexed By Public Backlash For J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Activism: “Why Is This A Factor At All?”

Well, it was only a matter of time, but newly minted Dumbledore actor John Lithgow (“Conclave”), set to play the iconic Wizard in a “Harry Potter” reboot series at HBO/Max, has now commented on creator J.K. Rowling‘s anti-trans community posts and the backlash toward his involvement. While speaking with the U.K. outlet The Sunday Times (via Entertainment Weekly), Lithgow revealed he was surprised by Rowling’s posts (attacking the global trans community by habitually linking all trans women to sexual predators, as a way to smear efforts of acceptance), but added that he hasn’t met the producer/creator of his new series and was upfront that the criticism hasn’t soured him on participating in the project despite people from his own life suggesting he not get involved with the Potterverse. Continue reading ‘Harry Potter’ Series Actor John Lithgow Perplexed By Public Backlash For J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Activism: “Why Is This A Factor At All?” at The Playlist.

Apr 29, 2025 - 17:16

‘Harry Potter’ Series Actor John Lithgow Perplexed By Public Backlash For J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Activism: “Why Is This A Factor At All?”

Well, it was only a matter of time, but newly minted Dumbledore actor John Lithgow (“Conclave”), set to play the iconic Wizard in a “Harry Potter” reboot series at HBO/Max, has now commented on creator J.K. Rowling‘s anti-trans community posts and the backlash toward his involvement.

While speaking with the U.K. outlet The Sunday Times (via Entertainment Weekly), Lithgow revealed he was surprised by Rowling’s posts (attacking the global trans community by habitually linking all trans women to sexual predators, as a way to smear efforts of acceptance), but added that he hasn’t met the producer/creator of his new series and was upfront that the criticism hasn’t soured him on participating in the project despite people from his own life suggesting he not get involved with the Potterverse.

Continue reading ‘Harry Potter’ Series Actor John Lithgow Perplexed By Public Backlash For J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Activism: “Why Is This A Factor At All?” at The Playlist.