John Lithgow says he considered quitting ‘Harry Potter’ series over JK Rowling transgender backlash: report

Actor John Lithgow reportedly considered walking away from his role in the upcoming HBO series based on J.K. Rowlings “Harry Potter” books over backlash from the 

Rowling has irked transgender activists for years with her outspoken opposition to transgender ideology and her defense of women-only spaces. The upcoming HBO series based on her famed books is expected to debut this year, and Lithgow made it clear he “has never met Rowling, nor does he agree with her views on transgender issues,” according to The New York Times. 

Lithgow, who is set to play Hogwarts headmaster in the highly anticipated series, said the story is “clearly on the side of the angels, against intolerance and bigotry.” 

The Times then detailed Lithgows “interest in queer culture,” and noted that non-binary actor Aud Mason-Hyde, his co-star in a separate project, called his decision to join the Potter show “disconcerting” and “vaguely hurtful.” 

Because of this, according to the Times, Lithgow “considered quitting the series but decided not to.” He ultimately opted to move forward, understanding the ramifications.  

“Every interview I will ever do for the rest of my life this will come up,” Lithgow told the Times. 

reached out to Warner Bros., the parent company of HBO, for comment but did not immediately hear back. 

Lithgow previously said in an  that he was shocked about the backlash he received for joining the series, saying he did not consider Rowling’s political views before accepting the role.

“It was a big decision because its probably the last major role Ill play. Its an eight-year commitment, so I was just thinking about mortality and that this is a very good winding-down role,” Lithgow said.

He also previously insisted that he took the criticism “extremely seriously” and described Rowling’s views as “ironic” given the themes of her fantasy series.

“Young and old people love ‘Harry Potter’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ stories,” Lithgow said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “Its so much about acceptance. Its about good versus evil. Its about kindness versus cruelty. Its deeply felt.”

He continued, “I find it ironic and somewhat inexplicable that Rowling has expressed such views. Ive read about them, and Ive never met her. Shes not really involved in this production at all. The people who are re-adapting ‘Harry Potter’ and turning it into an are remarkable … These are people I really want to work with.”

Lithgow added that there was “no trace of transphobic sensitivity” in the story and said that he was upset to learn that some critics opposed his involvement in the project.

Lithgow has expressed liberal views in the past and  about former Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into allegations of Trumps collusion with Russia, called, “The Investigation: A search for truth in ten acts.”

Fox News Digitals Lindsay Kornick contributed to this report.