Overview
- Speaking at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, the 80-year-old said joining the series was a hard decision after appeals to “walk away” over the author’s anti-trans statements.
- He characterized Rowling’s views as “ironic” and “inexplicable” and said she is “not really involved,” even as she holds an executive producer credit on the show.
- An audience member left his Rotterdam event in protest, underscoring the continuing public split over the adaptation.
- Lithgow said he has an eight-year contract to play Albus Dumbledore.
- HBO has reiterated plans for an early 2027 debut for the series, with production moving forward.