Veteran star John Lithgow was one of the first actors to be cast in the much-anticipated Harry Potter series as Hogwarts Principal and wizarding genius Albus Dumbledore, but the fame and happiness soon turned sour as he received immense backlash linked to author JK Rowling's anti-trans stance. And at one point the Dexter actor contemplated quitting the new adaptation.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Lithgow said that he has neither met Rowling nor share her stance, but still believes the Harry Potter books stand "against intolerance and bigotry." He acknowledged being "stung" by the reactions on social media and noted that the question of Rowling's views would continue to chase him "in every interview" for the rest of his life.
Aud Mason-Hyde, a transgender actor who worked with Lithgow in the film Jimpa, described him as "a beautiful human" but admitted feeling "disconcerting" about his decision to join the Harry Potter series, adding that it felt "vaguely hurtful." Lithgow plays the grandfather to Mason-Hyde's character. The Harry Potter series continues to remain on track despite Rowling continuing to face criticism for her anti-trans views that has caused fallout with the lead stars of the original movie series Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, along with fans of the movies and the books.
The actor previously faced flak for being cast in the role. During the time The Crown actor reminded the fans that he may not be an 'Englishman', but has played the role of the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill, in one of his shows. I mean, it's an enormous thrill. But I know there were plenty of people appalled that an American should be hired to play the ultimate English wizard. But, I will do my best," added Lithgow.
As reported earlier, Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout, and Arabella Stanton have been attached to star in it as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, respectively. The series also stars Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch, among others.
The series' writer Francesca Gardiner also acts as an executive producer and the showrunner, with Rowling herself serving as an executive producer. Mark Mylod has been attached to direct more than one episode, in addition to working in the capacity of an executive producer.