John Lithgow, the 79-year-old actor cast as Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s forthcoming Harry Potter television series, has expressed surprise at the backlash his casting has received, particularly due to J.K. Rowling’s involvement in the project. Lithgow stated that he was unaware of the extent of controversy surrounding Rowling, especially her comments on transgender issues, which have led to criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and fans .
Despite receiving a critical op-ed from a friend, Lithgow remains committed to the role, viewing it as a significant career milestone. He emphasized his dedication to portraying complex characters, noting his recent performance as Roald Dahl in the play Giant, which delves into the author’s controversial views .
HBO has defended its decision to include Rowling as an executive producer on the series, stating that her involvement has been invaluable and that her personal views have not influenced casting decisions. The network emphasized its commitment to inclusive and diverse casting, focusing on the development of the new series .
The casting of Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape has also sparked controversy, with some fans expressing concerns about the portrayal of the character due to Essiedu’s background. This adds to the ongoing debate surrounding the series and its connection to Rowling’s views.
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