John Lithgow has said much of J.K. Rowling’s anti-trans views have been “twisted and misrepresented,” as he opened up about the ongoing controversy surrounding HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series in a podcast. Speaking on The New Yorker Radio Hour, Lithgow defended his decision to play Albus Dumbledore despite criticism tied to Rowling’s public statements. “The other positive on the ‘Harry Potter’ project is the people who have taken it on themselves. Earlier this year, speaking at the Rotterdam Film Festival, Lithgow reiterated his stance on Rowling’s views. HBO’s Harry Potter series is scheduled to premiere this Christmas.

Source: The Telegraph April 05, 2026 10:29 UTC