Overview
- Addressing the issue at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, Lithgow called J.K. Rowling’s comments on trans people “ironic” and “inexplicable.”
- He said Rowling is not really involved in the new production and praised the team adapting the books for television.
- Lithgow argued the Harry Potter canon promotes acceptance and shows no transphobic sensibility, adding that he chose not to walk away from the role.
- He revealed he signed an eight-year contract to play Albus Dumbledore and noted he had just turned 80.
- An audience member left his event in protest, and he characterized the broader moment as a “war on empathy.”