John Lithgow, 79, issues defiant clap-back at Harry Potter backlash as casting sparks fiery row: ‘People were appalled!’
American actor John Lithgow has addressed the backlash surrounding his casting as Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television series.
The 79-year-old star made his comments during an appearance on BBC’s The One Show, where he acknowledged fans’ concerns about his nationality.
Lithgow admitted that taking on the iconic role of Hogwarts’ headmaster has been “very intimidating” as he prepares to follow in the footsteps of the late Sir Michael Gambon.
The casting announcement had sparked controversy among some Potter fans who questioned the decision to cast a non-British actor.
“I know there were plenty of people appalled that an American should be hired to play the ultimate English wizard, but I will do my best,” Lithgow defiantly told The One Show presenter Alex Jones.
The 3rd Rock From The Sun star was candid about the criticism he’s faced since the casting announcement.
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Despite the concerns, Lithgow expressed excitement about the opportunity to portray the beloved wizard in the series.
The actor acknowledged the significance of the role and the expectations that come with it.
Lithgow was quick to remind those complaining of his experience playing British characters. “I’m not an Englishman, although I’ve played one on TV,” he said.
“I remind everyone that I did play Winston Churchill on The Crown and I did just fine,” Lithgow added, referencing his award-winning portrayal of the former British Prime Minister.
The actor won both an Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance as Churchill in the Netflix drama series.
Earlier this month, Lithgow also won an Olivier Award for playing British author Roald Dahl in the West End play, Giant.
Lithgow will be joined by several British actors in the HBO series, including Nick Frost, who will play Rubeus Hagrid, and Paapa Essiedu as Professor Severus Snape.
Janet McTeer has been cast as Professor Minerva McGonagall, while Luke Thallon will portray Quirinus Quirrell, and comedian Paul Whitehouse will take on the role of caretaker Argus Filch.
The series aims to stay authentic to JK Rowling’s original books, with the Harry Potter creator serving as an executive producer.
However, Lithgow isn’t alone in facing criticism since his spot in the Harry Potter TV series cast was announced.
Snape star Essiedu has been at the centre of a row among some members of the Harry Potter fandom after it was confirmed he’d be taking over from Alan Rickman.
Due to Rowling’s description of Snape in the books, angered critics have accused HBO of “race-swapping” and even going “woke” by hiring Essiedu to take on the role.
Essiedu has ignored naysayers, however, saying in an Instagram post following the announcement that he was “honoured”.
Frost has also had to take action and disable the comments on his Instagram page after it was hijacked by critics.
Many took issue with Frost agreeing to play a role in a franchise helmed and created by Rowling due to her stance on gender issues.
Again, Frost has ignored the backlash, and his post celebrating the casting remains live on his page.
What a show! ✨
A huge thanks to tonight’s guests, @JohnLithgow, Aya Cash and @zoelyons 👏
Catch up now on @BBCiPlayer 👉 https://t.co/uzF88XdYgN pic.twitter.com/JNVRdQvY6o
— BBC The One Show (@BBCTheOneShow) April 16, 2025
Then there’s the backlash to Rowling herself, especially giving she’ll serve as an executive producer on the HBO series.
Rowling has been a vocal and outspoken advocate for single-sex spaces and biological women’s rights over the years, often landing her at war with the trans community and its allies.
The author had reason to celebrate this week, however, when the Supreme Court in the UK ruled that the definition of “woman” in law is defined by biological sex.
Rowling issued a statement and a series of celebratory posts on X following the ruling.
Production for the show is scheduled to begin at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in summer 2025.
The series is expected to span an entire decade, with showrunners describing it as “an authentic adaptation” for a new generation of fans.