The star of the upcoming Harry Potter reboot on HBO, John Lithgow, has decided to speak on the recent criticism following remarks by series author J.K. Rowling. Lithgow, known for his role as The Trinity Killer on Showtime’s Dexter, will play Albus Dumbledore in the revival.

Speaking on the current criticism following the works of author J.K. Rowling, the American actor noted he was aware but undeterred. He said that the role of Dumbledore was likely to be his “last major role” and one he felt was a “good winding down role” in his later years of life.

There have been a few different criticism regarding the revival of Harry Potter, with Lithgow noting that his being an American wouldn’t endear him. Lithgow said he’d played a good Winston Churchill on The Crown, and that he’s less concerned with his nationality working against him so much as his age – “I’ll be 87 years old at the wrap party.” Lithgow’s awareness of his mortality, and wanting to have an impactful, comfortable, and consistent role in his later years, were what drew him into playing Dumbledore.

That does not mean he made the decision lightly, as he’s very much in the loop on how J.K Rowling’s opinions have alienated her from a large swathe of the LGBTQIA+ community. Rowling is a trans-exclusive radical feminist (TERF) who has actively supported movements against trans inclusion. She recently donated £70,000 to For Women Scotland (FWS) after their efforts led the Supreme Court to define ‘woman’ based on biology and not gender.

Her actions have drawn criticism, with The Last of Us and Mandalorian star Pedro Pascal calling her a ‘loser’ and ‘heinous’. Lithgow noted that he’d been made aware of Rowling’s political leanings, as a friend of his has sent him an article breaking down Rowling’s views on Transgender people. Lithgow noted that this was his “canary in a coal mine” moment.

Sean Biggerstaff has become the latest Harry Potter actor to be described as “ungrateful” for not supporting JK Rowling’s anti-trans activism.

However, the actor remained undeterred from abandoning the role. When asked if he’d expected the response, he noted, “No, absolutely not. Of course,it was a big decision because it’s probably the last major role I’ll play. It’s an eight-year commitment, so I was just thinking about mortality and that this is a very good winding-down role.” When asked if the criticism had deterred him, he stated clearly, “Oh, heavens, no.”

The actor felt the waves of criticism were shocking, and to an extent, extreme. Lithgow had recently played Roald Dahl in the play Giants on the West End. The author had made antisemtic comments in his time, though Lithgow noted “No one complained when I agreed to play Dahl, but I’ve received so many messages about J.K. Rowling. Isn’t that odd?” Giants tells the story of a day in Dahl’s life following the Welsh author’s making antisemitic remarks, and explores the author’s creativity, politics, and bigotry.

Lithgow has yet to meet the author herself but has noted he’s “curious to talk to her.”The Harry Potter series will start filming in 2025.