Actor John Lithgow has defended his role in an upcoming HBO series based on J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books, despite controversy surrounding Rowling's views on transgender matters. The 80-year-old actor argues that the Harry Potter stories fundamentally promote acceptance, kindness, and the battle between good and evil. He finds Rowling's expressed views contradictory to the inclusive themes in her original work.

Although acknowledging the sensitive nature of the debate, Lithgow maintains that the story contains no transphobic elements. He was influenced by a conversation with a friend whose child is transgender.

Lithgow views this role as a significant final project in his acting career and emphasizes that Rowling is not directly involved in the production.