At the Rotterdam Film Festival, John Lithgow spoke candidly about his decision to portray Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, addressing the backlash linked to J.K. Rowling’s contentious views. Lithgow stood by his choice, emphasizing his respect for the story’s values despite public criticism surrounding the casting and the author.
Confronting Discomfort and Fan Opposition
During a discussion at the festival, Lithgow was challenged about how Rowling’s statements on transgender issues might affect his involvement. He responded directly, highlighting the importance of the Harry Potter series’ moral themes over the personal beliefs of its creator.
I take the subject extremely seriously. She 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.
— John Lithgow
Lithgow also acknowledged the emotional difficulty caused by negative reactions from some fans and colleagues after his casting was announced.
It upsets me when people are opposed to me having anything to do with this. But in ‘Potter’ canon you see no trace of transphobic sensitivity. She’s written this mediation of kindness and acceptance. And Dumbledore is a beautiful role.
— John Lithgow
Decision to Persist Amid Pressure
The pressure to withdraw from the role was significant, with Lithgow admitting it was a challenging choice that caused discomfort.
It was a hard decision. It made me uncomfortable and unhappy that people insisted I walk away from the job. I chose not to do that.
— John Lithgow
He also reflected on the long-term commitment the role demands, combining sincere acceptance with wry humor about his age and tenure.
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.
— John Lithgow
Despite this, not all attendees accepted his reasoning, with one audience member expressing disappointment loudly and leaving the event, causing a tense disruption during what was meant to be a film discussion.
Lithgow acknowledged the clash in opinions with composure.
I’m perfectly ready for collisions of opinion. I understand it,
— John Lithgow
Exploring Personal Themes in Jimpa
Aside from his role as Dumbledore, Lithgow was at the festival to promote his new film Jimpa, directed by Sophie Hyde. The movie stars Olivia Colman as Hannah, who reconnects with her father (Lithgow) after he comes out and moves to Amsterdam, a story delving into identity, family, and reconciliation.
Reflecting on his acting career, Lithgow shared his enduring passion for storytelling, emphasizing its fundamental consistency despite changing styles.
Styles change, but the basics of storytelling are very much the same. Any actor’s Holy Grail is the suspension of disbelief, making the audience believe that it’s not fiction but it’s real.
— John Lithgow
He connected this principle back to his early work entertaining children, where creating a believable reality is crucial.
With them, they think they are seeing the real thing. That’s what you seek with audiences too, even for a fleeting moment. And that never changes.
— John Lithgow
Finding Meaning Through Challenging Times
Looking back on his extensive career, Lithgow noted that only a few projects have met his expectations fully, and Jimpa is among those select works.
In this hothouse moment, when there’s such cruelty and misuse of power over people, it’s wonderful to make a film about empathy and kindness. Jimpa [the character] can be unwillingly cruel, but he’s always trying.
— John Lithgow
Whether portraying a wizard, a father, or a man in quiet moments, Lithgow emphasized his consistent aim to create genuine, emotional storytelling. His commitment to embodying Dumbledore highlights both his personal and professional dedication in a complex, evolving cultural landscape, indicating ongoing conversations around representation and artistic choices in beloved franchises.
