HBO Potter Tension

John Lithgow has addressed J.K. Rowling’s reaction to criticism over her views on gender while confirming his commitment to HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series.

The 80-year-old actor will take on the role of Albus Dumbledore in the new adaptation, revisiting Rowling’s books for television. His casting has drawn attention amid ongoing debate surrounding the author.

Speaking to The New Yorker, Lithgow acknowledged the controversy and admitted he was taken aback by Rowling’s response, stating: “I’m surprised by it too, and disappointed.”

Despite this, he said the decision to join the project was driven by the enduring strength of the story and the creative team behind it. Lithgow pointed to showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod — both of Succession — as key influences, noting Gardiner’s deep connection to the original material.

He has previously indicated that while he disagrees with aspects of Rowling’s stance on transgender issues, he had already committed to the series before the debate intensified and chose not to step away.

Rowling has remained a central figure in wider legal and political discussions, including her support of For Women Scotland during legal challenges over the definition of “woman” under U.K. law. A Supreme Court ruling later confirmed that “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act refer to biological definitions, with implications for transgender rights and access to single-sex spaces.

The decision drew reactions across the industry, including criticism from Pedro Pascal following Rowling’s social media response.

Lithgow now steps into a role previously played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, positioning the series as both a revival of a major franchise and a focal point of ongoing cultural debate.