In a candid new interview, veteran actor John Lithgow has openly expressed his feelings of surprise and disappointment regarding author JK Rowling's response to criticism over her views on gender. The eighty-year-old performer, who is set to portray Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in HBO's upcoming adaptation of the Harry Potter series, shared these sentiments with the New Yorker, highlighting a complex personal and professional dilemma.
A Role Amidst Controversy
Lithgow acknowledged that he was already committed to the role when discussions about Rowling's alleged prejudices emerged. He revealed that some individuals urged him to withdraw from the project, but he firmly decided against doing so. The actor explained that the opportunity to participate in what he described as a "great, big, large project" retelling Rowling's beloved stories was overwhelmingly compelling.
Balancing Art and Opinion
When questioned by New Yorker editor David Remnick about his decision to proceed with the role despite disagreements, Lithgow stated that the reasons to take on the part were significantly stronger than those to protest Rowling's statements. He noted that while he disagrees with much of what she has said, he also believes some of her views have been twisted and misrepresented. However, he added that Rowling has "doubled down" on her positions "at her own cost," a move he finds regrettable.
Lithgow further elaborated on his excitement for the role, describing Dumbledore as a "wonderful" character and emphasizing the appeal of working in England with a crew experienced from productions like The Crown. He also mentioned the practical aspect of job security in his later years, underscoring that such factors cannot be ignored.
Surprise at the Ferocity of Response
Remnick pointed out the "ferocity" and "cruelty" perceived in Rowling's reactions to criticism, to which Lithgow responded with agreement, expressing his own surprise and disappointment. The actor clarified that he has never personally met Rowling and was persuaded to accept the role primarily by the show's writers, Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, both former Succession collaborators. Lithgow highlighted Gardiner's deep admiration for the Harry Potter canon as a key influence in his decision.
Context of Rowling's Stance
The interview touches on the broader context of Rowling's involvement in gender-related debates. Last year, she supported the campaign group For Women Scotland in legal challenges concerning the definition of a "woman." In April, the UK Supreme Court ruled that terms like "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act refer to biological categories, impacting transgender women's access to certain public boards and single-sex spaces.
This ruling sparked further controversy, with figures like Pedro Pascal from The Last of Us criticizing Rowling harshly. Despite the ongoing debates, Lithgow remains focused on his role, reiterating his belief in the power of Rowling's storytelling while distancing himself from her personal views on gender issues.
