John Lithgow Almost Walked Away From HBO’s HARRY POTTER Series Over J.K. Rowling Controversy
HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series is already one of the most talked-about TV projects in development, and now it’s adding another layer of conversation thanks to John Lithgow.
The actor, who’s set to take on the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore, has opened up about nearly stepping away from the show due to the ongoing controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling and her views on the trans community.
Lithgow didn’t shy away from admitting that signing on wasn’t an easy call. In fact, he seriously considered walking away before ultimately deciding to stay.
Speaking to The New York Times, he explained that part of accepting the role meant understanding exactly what would come with it.
He said he realized that in "every interview I will ever do for the rest of my life this will come up," but made it clear that being part of the series doesn’t mean he shares Rowling’s opinions.
What ultimately grounded his decision was the core message of the story itself. Lithgow pointed out that the world of Harry Potter is rooted in empathy and morality, saying the story is "clearly on the side of the angels, against intolerance and bigotry."
This wasn’t the first time the issue hit close to home for him. During an appearance at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam, Lithgow revealed that someone he knows personally urged him to step away from the project.
“It was a hard decision. It made me uncomfortable and unhappy that people insisted I walk away from the job. I chose not to do that," he shared.
He went on to emphasize just how seriously he takes the subject, while also expressing admiration for the impact of Rowling’s work. "I take the subject extremely seriously," Lithgow continued.
"J.K. Rowling has created this amazing canon for young people, young kids’ literature that has jumped into the consciousness of society. Young and old people love Harry Potter and the Harry Potter stories. It’s so much about acceptance. It’s about good versus evil. It’s about kindness versus cruelty. It’s deeply felt."
At the same time, Lithgow didn’t hide his confusion about Rowling’s stance, calling it both surprising and contradictory. "It upsets me when people are vehemently opposed to me having anything to do with this.
“But in Potter canon you see no trace of transphobic sensitivity. She has written this meditation of kindness and acceptance. And Dumbledore is a beautiful role," he explained. He also noted that Rowling isn’t involved in the day-to-day production of the series.
Lithgow is joined in the sereis by Nick Frost, who is stepping in as Hagrid, Paapa Essiedu will play Snape, and Janet McTeer takes on Professor McGonagall. The central trio is also locked in, with Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Alistair Stout as Ron Weasley, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.
HBO is planning a long-term commitment here, with the series expected to run for a full decade and each season adapting one of the original books. Production on the first season is already underway, and if everything stays on track, fans can expect to return to Hogwarts in 2027.
Between the ambitious scope, the fresh cast, and the ongoing conversations around it, this new take on Harry Potter isn’t just revisiting a beloved story. It’s arriving with a lot to unpack, and it sounds like Lithgow knows exactly what he signed up for.
