- John Lithgow, cast as Albus Dumbledore in the new Harry Potter TV series, considered withdrawing from the role due to criticism over JK Rowling's stance on transgender rights.
- Lithgow described Rowling's views as "ironic and inexplicable", given the books' themes of acceptance, but ultimately took the role, believing the stories promote kindness.
- His non-binary co-star from Sophia Hyde’s Jimpa, Aud Mason-Hyde, expressed feeling "vaguely hurt" and found Lithgow's decision to join the series "strange" and "disconcerting".
- Other cast members, including Nick Frost and Paapa Essiedu, have also publicly distanced themselves from Rowling's opinions, with Essiedu signing a letter supporting trans rights.
- JK Rowling clarified that she would not remove actors for holding legally protected beliefs that differ from her own, despite reports suggesting her heavy involvement in the project.
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John Lithgow ‘considered quitting’ Harry Potter series after ‘upsetting’ backlash
