John Lithgow has responded to the backlash over his casting as Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter collection government produced by the franchise’s controversial writer, J.K. Rowling.
The Golden Globe winner, recognized for The Crown and Conclave, has been forged because the beloved Hogwarts headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Nonetheless, regardless of touchdown the long-lasting position, the actor’s social media account has been flooded by feedback calling out his involvement within the upcoming collection.
What did John Lithgow say about his Harry Potter casting backlash?
Lithgow revealed in an interview with The Sunday Times that he didn’t count on to obtain such backlash over his casting as Dumbledore. He additionally shared {that a} good friend had beforehand texted him a hyperlink to an article titled “An Open Letter to John Lithgow: Please Stroll Away from Harry Potter,” which claimed that Rowling “has an extended historical past of anti-trans statements” and has “attacked trans children straight.”
“No, completely not,” mentioned Lithgow when requested whether or not he had anticipated the backlash. “After all, it was a giant resolution as a result of it’s most likely the final main position I’ll play. It’s an eight-year dedication so I used to be simply excited about mortality and that this can be a excellent winding-down position.”
He continued, “I assumed, why is that this an element in any respect? I ponder how JK Rowling has absorbed it. I suppose at a sure level I’ll meet her and I’m curious to speak to her.”
The actor then mentioned, “Oh, heavens no,” expressing no regrets about his involvement within the Harry Potter collection.
Rowling has confronted criticism attributable to her feedback and views towards the trans neighborhood. A number of unique Harry Potter stars — together with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, Sean Biggerstaff, and others — have publicly condemned her statements.
Regardless of the criticism, the Harry Potter collection reboot is confirmed to be shifting ahead, with more stars attached to the project.
