John Lithgow's Dumbledore Dilemma: HBO Series Amidst Controversy

0:00It's March 20th, and here's what's happening across entertainment and pop culture. John Lithgow almost walked away from his role as Alba Stumbledoor in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series on HBO. The 80-year-old actor shared this in a recent New York Times interview, saying the all-mind backlash tied to JK Rowling made him think twice about. Joining, he explained that he has never met Rowling and does not support her views on trans issues, but he sees the series as a force against intolerance. Still, the harsh reactions stung him enough to consider quitting, though he chose to stay on board. Lithgow now expects questions about this to pop up in every interview for the rest of his career. One of his co-stars from another project, Aud Mason Hyde, came to his defense, calling him a talented and supportive person who never made them feel. Production kicked off in July 2025 in England, with young actors leading the cast as Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

1:00On set photos of Lithgow as Dumbledore surfaced back in October, the series is set to premiere in 2027, promising a fresh take on the magical world despite the ongoing debates.