John Lithgow defends ‘Harry Potter’ role despite Rowling’s ‘ironic’ trans views

Actor John Lithgow has defended his position within the upcoming HBO sequence based mostly on JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books, regardless of criticism of the writer’s views on transgender points.

The 80-year-old actor was requested concerning the controversy surrounding his determination to play the character Albus Dumbledore, amid criticism of Rowling’s outspoken opposition to transgender ideology and her protection of women-only areas.

Lithgow insisted he took the criticism “extraordinarily severely” and described Rowling’s views as “ironic” given the themes of her fantasy sequence.

JK ROWLING SLAMS GLAMOR UK’S WOMEN OF THE YEAR COVER WITH NINE TRANS WOMEN

Writer JK Rowling confronted backlash for her outspoken criticism of transgender ideology. (Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Photographs)

“Folks younger and outdated love ‘Harry Potter’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ tales,” Lithgow mentioned, in response to The Hollywood Reporter. “It is a lot about acceptance. It is about good versus evil. It is about kindness versus cruelty. It is deeply felt.”

He continued: “I discover it ironic and considerably inexplicable that Rowling has expressed such views. I’ve examine it and I’ve by no means met her. She’s probably not concerned on this manufacturing in any respect. The people who find themselves re-adapting ‘Harry Potter’ and turning it into an eight-year TV sequence are outstanding… These are folks I actually need to work with.”

Lithgow added that there was “no hint of transphobic sensitivity” within the story and mentioned he was indignant when he heard that some critics have been in opposition to his involvement within the challenge.

KEIRA KNIGHTLEY angers liberals for refusing to convict JK ROWLING

John Lithgow was forged as Dumbledore in HBO’s new Harry Potter present final yr. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Photographs)

“So it was a troublesome determination based mostly on that [controversy]and it made me very uncomfortable and sad that folks have been actively pushing for me to depart this job. However I selected not to try this,” Lithgow mentioned.

Lithgow beforehand mentioned in an interview in April that he was shocked on the response he obtained for his participation within the sequence, and mentioned he had not thought of Rowling’s political opinions earlier than accepting the position.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ABOUT MEDIA AND CULTURE

He additionally mentioned that earlier than taking the position, he obtained a textual content from “a really shut good friend who’s the mom of a trans youngster” and referred to as the second “the canary within the coal mine.”

Nevertheless, Lithgow mentioned the controversy didn’t make him rethink the position.

John Lithgow repeatedly defended the position, regardless of opposition to JK Rowling’s views. (Christopher Polk/Selection through Getty Photographs)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“It was clearly a giant determination as a result of it is most likely the final large position I am going to play. It is an eight-year dedication, so I used to be simply fascinated about mortality and that this can be a excellent step-down position,” Lithgow mentioned.