John Lithgow Says He ‘Absolutely’ Didn’t Expect Any J.K. Rowling Backlash After Joining HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Series: ‘Why Is This a Factor?’

"John Lithgow opened up about the backlash he faced after joining HBO’s *Harry Potter* series, citing Rowling’s controversial comments on transgender rights as a key factor. Despite his age and the series’ long-standing legacy, the actor reflected on why Rowling’s past statements should influence the project, calling it ‘a factor at all.’"