John Lithgow Calls J.K. Rowling’s Trans Views ‘Inexplicable’

John Lithgow defended his participation in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, while also saying he found J.K. Rowling’s anti-trans views “ironic and inexplicable” in light of the content of her books.

Lithgow, who’s set to portray Dumbledore in the series, addressed the matter at the Rotterdam Film Festival, where he was promoting a new movie, Jimpa (via Variety). The actor said he took “the subject extremely seriously,” and praised Rowling for creating “this amazing canon for young people” that grapples with “good versus evil, kindness versus cruelty.”

But, to that end, he said, “I find her views ironic and inexplicable.”

Lithgow continued: “It upsets me when people are opposed to me having anything to do with this. But in Potter canon you see no trace of transphobic sensitivity. She’s written this mediation of kindness and acceptance. And Dumbledore is a beautiful role.”

Lithgow also noted that he’s “never met” Rowling, and said “she’s not really involved in this production at all.” He admitted that accepting the role of Dumbledore was “a hard decision,” but said, “It made me uncomfortable and unhappy that people insisted I walk away from the job. I chose not to do that.” 

The actor commended his co-workers on the series, too, calling them “remarkable,” and expressed excitement for a project that will see him busy for many more years. “I signed a contract — I will be playing Dumbledore for the next eight years!” Lithgow said. “I absolutely have to keep at it. I felt: ‘Wow! That means I will live to be 88.’ I have that in writing.” 

Lithgow’s comments were definitely sharper than when he addressed the same topic during an interview with The Times last April. At that point, he seemed somewhat flummoxed by the controversy, saying, “I thought, why is this a factor at all? I wonder how J.K. Rowling has absorbed it. I suppose at a certain point I’ll meet her and I’m curious to talk to her.”

In his new movie Jimpa, directed by Sophie Hyde, Lithgow plays an elderly gay man, who came out late in life. In the film Lithgow’s character receives a visit from his daughter, Hannah (Olivia Colman), and her nonbinary teenager, Frances (Aud Mason-Hyde).