With HBO’s Harry Potter series in production even now it continues to receive backlash due to it’s creator’s anti-trans views. Numerous actors turned down roles for the series because of it. Now John Lithgow cites her anti-trans sentiments as a big reason he almost quit his role as Dumbledore in the series.
He recently made it clear that he’s never personally met the books author. And that he has always viewed the books as being “clearly on the side of angels, against intolerance and bigotry.” What’s unfortunate is that the story-telling catalyst for this particular story happens to be one of the biggest bigots in current history.
Lithgow heavily considered quitting the role after his non-binary Jimpa co-star Aud Mason-Hyde criticized the decision to take the role.
“It was definitely a difficult moment in time. I don’t think it’s worth speaking to John’s reasoning by any means, but I do also think that it’s a strange decision, for sure. And also I found it disconcerting, maybe, is the right word.”
Mason-Hyde to OUT
Lithgow was cast as Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter last April. Since then has been getting all kinds of remarks about taking the role. He says he’s has come to terms with the fact “every interview I will ever do for the rest of my life this will come up.”
Is JK Rowling Really that bad?
Rowling continues to face push back from her numerous slights against the trans community. JK has said some horrible things against trans people, especially trans women. And she’s enacted some pretty horrendous things that make it clear that she’s actively out to make trans lives worse.
Rowling previously celebrated UK’s Supreme Court ruling that prohibits trans women from being legally recognized as women. Now 400 people have signed a letter urging the country’s film and TV industry to take action on trans rights. Even Paapa Essiedu, who has been cast in the Harry Potter series as Professor Snape.
HBO’s Harry Potter comes from writer/showrunner Francesca Gardiner, who also serves as executive producer. She’ll be producing alongside Mark Mylod who will direct multiple episodes for HBO. Also in association with Brontë Film and TV and Warner Bros Television.
The Harry Potter TV series is scheduled to premiere in 2027 on HBO and Max.
