Actor John Lithgow spoke candidly about his confusion over JK Rowling’s stance on biological sex during the Rotterdam Film Festival last weekend. Discussing his role as Dumbledore in the TV reboot of Rowling’s famed series, Lithgow reflected on the backlash surrounding the author’s controversial opinions, highlighting his concern about the division her comments have caused.
Actor Shares Thoughts on Trans Debate and Rowling’s Legacy
John Lithgow emphasized the seriousness with which he approaches the ongoing trans debate.
“I take the subject extremely seriously,”
he said, underscoring his thoughtful consideration of the issue. He acknowledged Rowling’s significant cultural influence, noting,
“[Rowling] has created this amazing canon for young people and it has jumped into the consciousness of the society. It’s about good versus evil, kindness versus cruelty. I find her views ironic and inexplicable. I’ve never met her, she’s not really involved in this production at all. But the people who are, are remarkable.”
Lithgow expressed disappointment over the negative reactions he has encountered due to his involvement with the project.
“It upsets me when people are opposed to me having anything to do with this,”
he stated, while defending the core spirit of the Harry Potter universe. He noted that within Rowling’s original works,
“you see no trace of transphobic sensitivity. She’s written this mediation of kindness and acceptance. And Dumbledore is a beautiful role.”
Decision to Portray Dumbledore Was Challenging but Committed
The actor described accepting the role of Dumbledore as a difficult choice, especially amid public pressure to dissociate from the project.
“It made me uncomfortable and unhappy that people insisted I walk away from the job. I chose not to do that,”
Lithgow revealed. Reflecting on his age, he added,
“I’m the oldest person in this entire room, just turned 80. And yet I signed a contract – I will be playing Dumbledore for the next eight years! I absolutely have to keep at it. I felt: ‘Wow! That means I will live to be 88.’ I have that in writing.”
Festival Spotlight: Latest Film Explores Family and Identity
At the Rotterdam Film Festival, Lithgow was also promoting his latest film, Jimpa, which tells the story of Hannah (played by Olivia Colman) reconnecting with her gay father Jim (Lithgow) and her nonbinary teenager Frances. The role of Frances is portrayed by Aud Mason-Hyde, who is the real-life daughter of director Sophie Hyde and identifies as trans and non-binary.
Ongoing Fallout from Rowling’s Stance on Gender Issues
JK Rowling’s outspoken views about biological sex, which she began expressing publicly in 2020, have sparked considerable backlash from fans and many in the entertainment industry. While Rowling continues to defend her perspective despite boycotts and criticism, most of the original Harry Potter movie cast have sided with transgender activists and distanced themselves from the author. Recently, a public clash between Rowling and former series star Emma Watson intensified the debate, with Rowling criticizing Watson by saying she
“has so little experience of real life she’s ignorant of how ignorant she is.”
