‘Harry Potter’ Actor Brushes Off Controversy Over J.K. Rowling’s Transphobic Views
The world of Harry Potter has been synonymous with magic, acceptance, and the embrace of differences. The stories, cherished by millions, revolve around the ideas of inclusion, friendship, and personal growth. Over the years, the magic created by J.K. Rowling has captured hearts across the globe, and the wizarding world has continued to inspire readers and moviegoers alike.
Yet, recently, a different kind of attention has surrounded the author, as her personal beliefs and statements have drawn widespread criticism and controversy.
Related: Fans Think They Know What Caused J.K. Rowling’s Bigotry
J.K. Rowling, known for creating the immensely successful Harry Potter franchise, has sparked a wave of backlash due to her outspoken views on transgender issues. While her books painted a picture of acceptance and love, her actions in recent years have raised questions.
Fans, especially those within the LGBTQ+ community, have found themselves conflicted between their love for the Wizarding World and the views expressed by its creator.
However, in the midst of this storm, some voices within the entertainment industry are speaking out, offering a perspective that not everyone shares the same concern.
Related: ‘Mandalorian’ Actor Blasts J.K. Rowling, Labels Her a “Heinous Loser”
John Lithgow: Unmoved by the Backlash
One of the prominent figures currently involved in the Harry Potter universe is John Lithgow, the acclaimed actor who will play Albus Dumbledore in the new Harry Potter series on Max (formerly HBO). Lithgow, a seasoned actor known for his roles in The Crown and Third Rock From the Sun, has recently commented on the ongoing controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling and her views.
His remarks have raised some eyebrows, as Lithgow suggests that the issue surrounding Rowling’s beliefs didn’t factor into his decision to take on the role.
Lithgow recently sat down with The Times of London and spoke candidly about the controversy. According to the actor, he had never really considered Rowling’s personal views when accepting the role of Dumbledore. His primary focus was on his age and the longevity of the series.
His views didn’t even change when a friend of his who has a transgender child reached out. He said, “That was the canary in the coal mine. I thought, ‘Why is this a factor at all?ʼ I wonder how J.K. Rowling has absorbed it. I suppose at a certain point Iʼll meet her, and Iʼm curious to talk to her.”
This comment has sparked reactions, particularly given the significant backlash Rowling has faced from other actors in the Harry Potter franchise.
Many stars, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, have publicly denounced her transphobic remarks and expressed their support for the trans community. Lithgow’s dismissal of this issue has many questioning if he truly grasps the gravity of Rowling’s comments, or if he simply views the situation differently.
Rowling’s Controversial Stance on Transgender Rights
Over the past several years, J.K. Rowling has made headlines for her outspoken stance on transgender issues, particularly her views on transgender women. In 2020, she became the target of fierce criticism after a series of tweets in which she questioned the concept of gender identity and expressed her belief that transgender women are not women.
This sparked an immediate outcry from fans and advocates for transgender rights, and Rowling’s comments have continued to fuel debates around the world.
Most recently, the UK Supreme Court ruled that transgender women would not be protected as women under the country’s Equality Act, a decision that Rowling supported. She took to social media to express her delight over the ruling, further alienating herself from many fans who once admired her for creating an inclusive world of magic.
Her actions have led to her becoming known as a TERF—a trans-exclusionary radical feminist—a label that has become synonymous with her controversial views.
The Impact on the Harry Potter Franchise
Rowling’s transphobic beliefs have certainly had a profound effect on the Harry Potter franchise. The release of a new series based on her books for Max raised a significant question: Should she be involved?
Many fans vowed not to watch the show if she played any role in its production. The backlash even prompted Warner Bros. and HBO executives to publicly defend Rowling, stating that she would serve as an executive producer and that the series would not be the same without her input.
However, some stars in the Harry Potter franchise, like Bridgerton‘s Nicola Coughlan, have made it clear that they would not be involved in the project if Rowling were part of it. Likewise, actors such as Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint have distanced themselves from her, stating their firm support for the transgender community and their condemnation of Rowling’s stance.
What do you think? Do you believe that John Lithgow’s comments represent a necessary detachment from the controversy, or do they show a lack of understanding? Should J.K. Rowling’s views affect the enjoyment of the Harry Potter franchise? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
I believe an author’s intellectual property belongs to the author and NO ONE has the right to prevent their involvement with any use of it.
If people object, they do have the right to decline involvement…but it does reflect badly on their supposedly held belief that all should be treated equally…if they can behave with bigotry against Rowling, they are no different than she.
Hurra for Lithgow. Down with all this woke and antinatural gender ideology.
I’ve already decided and declared elsewhere that I will will not watch anything John Lithgow has or will make. The same is true of the other actors until or unless Rowling is removed from the project and any other project. It has the right to its own opinion. And I have the right to reject it and anyone who agrees with it. The author, itself, deserves no consideration whatsoever.
As someone else here stated, she is the author, these are her works, and her intellectual property. She cannot be excluded. She is also a human being and has a right to her own opinions and views. Calling her a bigot or anything else because one does not agree with her, well, that makes you the same. Personally, I applaud her for standing up for her own beliefs, especially when they are not popular ones.