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John Lithgow Says J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Rhetoric Didn’t Dissuade Him From Taking On ‘Harry Potter’ Series Role: “Why Is This A Factor At All?”
John Lithgow is befuddled at how J.K. Rowling's anti-trans rhetoric factors into his decision to step into HBO's forthcoming Harry Potter adaptation.
The veteran actor also said he wasn’t put off when a “very good friend,” who is a mother to a trans child, sent him the link to an article titled “An Open Letter to John Lithgow: Please Walk Away from Harry Potter.” He admitted that the exchange was “the canary in the coal mine” regarding the ensuing backlash. The Tony, Golden Globe and recently minted Olivier Award winner, who is currently reprising his role as Roald Dahl in Giant at London’s Harold Pinter Theatre, added that he was also confused that his decision to portray the well-known antisemitic author was not critiqued. Previously, Lithgow spoke out to assuage concern from fans of the Harry Potter franchise about his capability at portraying the beloved professor/mentor character in the wizarding world.
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