Overview
- At the Rotterdam film festival, Lithgow called Rowling’s anti-trans positions “ironic and inexplicable” given the themes he sees in the books.
- He said friends and fans urged him to quit the show but he chose to continue in the role of Dumbledore.
- Lithgow confirmed he signed an eight-year contract and described the commitment as significant at age 80.
- He noted he has never met Rowling and described her as “not really involved” in the production, while praising the series’ creative team.
- HBO has publicly defended Rowling’s contribution to the franchise as development continues, with protests and fan backlash ongoing, including a spectator leaving Lithgow’s Rotterdam event in objection.