Lithgow Defends His Casting In The ‘Harry Potter’ Series In An Interview With New York Magazine

In an interview with New York Magazine, John Lithgow (How I Met Your Mother, Dexter) expanded on his reasoning for staying on the upcoming Harry Potter project. Lithgow stated that he had already accepted the role when the issue of J.K. Rowling’s (Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix, Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone) views arose. At one point, he was urged to walk away from the series, but Lithgow felt that the “reasons to do it were much, much stronger than to protest against what Rowling has done said”. When asked about the ferocity with which Rowling seems to convey her views, Lithgow said he was also “surprised” and “disappointed” by her vigor.  Prior to these comments, Lithgow had mentioned the allure of job security in his later life.

Rowling has faced significant backlash over her career due to her stance on trans rights. This is one of several interviews in which Lithgow has had to defend his casting in the series. According to mxdwn, Lithgow, who will play Dumbledore, reportedly considered quitting the series.

In an interview with The New York Times, Lithgow stated that his interpretation of the book differed from Rowling’s later statements.  He believes the books to be “clearly on the side of the angels, against intolerance and bigotry.” He then continued that he “considered quitting the series but decided not to,” Lithgow said that Harry Potter will follow him throughout the rest of his career and likely be noted “in every interview I will ever do for the rest of my life,” via Variety.

Lithgow’s  recent co-star in the film Jimba, Aud Mason Hyde (Jimba, 52 Tuesdays), a trans actor, acknowledged Lithgow’s character while also calling the move “disconcerting”. Hyde called Lithgow “such a beautiful human to make work with,” via mxdwn.

According to mxdwn, other actors on the upcoming Harry Potter series have attempted to place themselves in opposition to Rowling’s views while remaining in their roles. Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You, The Outrun) recently signed a petition for action on Tran’s rights. Essiedu who will play Professor Snape has been the target of significant online racism due to his casting in the role.