US EditionDumbledore Actor Considered Quitting HBO Harry Potter Series over J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Views
John Lithgow, cast as Dumbledore, distanced himself from Rowling's anti-transgender views and considered quitting HBO's Harry Potter series amid backlash but stayed.
- On Friday, Actor John Lithgow revealed he considered stepping away from the upcoming HBO Max Harry Potter reboot due to public backlash surrounding author Rowling's views on transgender issues.
- Despite opposing Rowling's stance, Lithgow decided to play Albus Dumbledore because he believes the books are "clearly on the side of the angels, against intolerance and bigotry," he told The New York Times.
- His Jimpa co-star Aud Mason-Hyde described the casting as "disconcerting" and "vaguely hurtful," adding to pressure that left Lithgow feeling "stung" by sharp online reactions following his announcement.
- More than 400 industry members signed an open letter urging action on transgender rights, including Paapa Essiedu, cast as Professor Snape, who also faced criticism for joining the production.
- Lithgow noted the controversy will likely arise in "every interview I will ever do for the rest of my life" as the series approaches its 2027 premiere.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Hollywood Cowardice: John Lithgow Considered Quitting 'Harry Potter' To Signal His Progressive Virtue
If there's one thing we know for certain about the overwhelming majority of actors in Hollywood, it's that they are deeply committed to agreeing with whatever liberal consensus demands. Whatever the left-wing cause of the day might be, they are happy to comply. They dutifully wore their Ukraine flag pins at Awards shows after Russia invaded. They wore Palestinian flags after Hamas attacked Israeli civilians and killed over 1,000 innocent people.…
John Lithgow Reveals He Almost Quit ‘Harry Potter’ Series Over Backlash Related to J.K. Rowling | Just Jared: Celebrity News and Gossip
John Lithgow almost backed out of playing Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television show. The the adult cast members have received backlash for joining the show in light of author J.K. Rowling‘s anti-trans views. Speaking with The New York Times in an interview published on Tuesday (March 17), the 80-year-old actor said he has not met Rowling and doesn’t agree with her comments. Keep reading to find out more… He also said that t…
John Lithgow Almost Quit Dumbledore Role Because He Didn't Want To Answer JK Rowling Questions 'For The Rest Of His Life'
john lithgow Actor John Lithgow, who has been cast as Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, said he debated quitting the role due to the backlash over creator JK Rowling’s political opinions. HBO’s Harry Potter series is set to debut next year. Given JK Rowling’s controversial stance of LGBTQ rights, particularly as it relates to the trans community, HBO’s Harry Potter series has become a bit of a divisive project, with the actors be…
John Lithgow plays Albus Dumbledore in HBO's new "Harry Potter" series. However, he seriously thought of abandoning the role.John Lithgow (80) thought of quitting: Because of the trans-hostile utterances of "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling (60) the actor decided to put down his role as Albus Dumbledore in HBO's new "Harry Potter" series. He told the "New York Times".After his occupation as Hogwart's school leader had been announced, Lithgow op…
John Lithgow says he considered quitting 'Harry Potter' series over JK Rowling transgender backlash: report
Actor John Lithgow reportedly considered walking away from his role in the upcoming HBO series based on J.K. Rowling’s "Harry Potter" books over backlash from the author’s views on transgender issues.Rowling has irked transgender activists for years with her outspoken opposition to transgender ideology and her defense of women-only spaces. The upcoming HBO series based on her famed books is expected to debut this year, and Lithgow made it clear …
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