Audience walks out as John Lithgow explains involvement in HBO’s forthcoming Harry Potter series

John Lithgow’s comments criticising JK Rowling’s stance on trans rights prompted visible tension at the Rotterdam Film Festival, where at least one audience member walked out in protest. 

Speaking during a discussion surrounding his role as Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s forthcoming Harry Potter series, the 80-year-old actor reiterated that he takes the subject of trans rights “extremely seriously”. He described Rowling’s public views as “ironic and inexplicable”, given that the Harry Potter stories champion themes of kindness, acceptance, and resistance to cruelty - values he sees as fundamentally at odds with the author’s rhetoric. 

Lithgow recalled how distressing he found pressure to abandon the role, particularly after receiving an open letter urging him to step away from the project. He admitted the backlash made him “uncomfortable and unhappy”, but he ultimately refused to walk away. 

The emotional flashpoint of the event came when an audience member stood up and left in protest, reportedly voicing frustration with Lithgow’s continued involvement in the series. Their departure sparked a wider, heated discussion in the room, demonstrating the deep divide Rowling’s views have caused - not just among fans but within public cultural spaces. 

Lithgow remained calm in response, saying he is “perfectly ready for collisions of opinion” and understands why people feel strongly. He emphasised that Rowling has no meaningful involvement in the production and that the creative team re‑adapting the series is “remarkable”. He added that Potter canon itself contains “no trace of transphobic sensitivity”, describing the books as a “meditation of kindness and acceptance”.