Overview

• John Lithgow, cast as Albus Dumbledore in HBO's Harry Potter series, says he was unprepared for the backlash tied to J.K. Rowling's controversial views on transgender issues.
• Lithgow revealed that a friend with a transgender child sent him an open letter urging him to reconsider taking the role, which he described as a 'canary in the coal mine.'
• Despite the criticism, Lithgow remains committed to the eight-year project, calling it a significant 'winding-down role' at this stage of his career.
• The actor noted the absence of similar backlash when portraying other contentious figures, such as Roald Dahl, in contrast to the response over Rowling's involvement.
• HBO executives reaffirm that Rowling's role as an executive producer has not influenced casting or creative decisions, focusing instead on the series' on-screen content.