For acclaimed actor John Lithgow, the opportunity to portray Albus Dumbledore in HBO's forthcoming Harry Potter television series outweighed concerns over author J.K. Rowling's publicly stated views on transgender people. The actor discussed the matter during a recent appearance at the Rotterdam Film Festival. So reports LGBTQIA cultural magazine Out.

Lithgow was at the festival for the premiere of his latest film, Jimpa, which explores queer themes. During a conversation, he reflected on the ongoing backlash against Rowling and his own casting in the high-profile franchise expansion.

According to a report from Variety, tension was palpable in the room following his comments. As Lithgow continued to speak, one audience member departed, stating "These things don’t help" on their way out.

"I take the subject extremely seriously," Lithgow said of Rowling's positions, which have been widely criticised as anti-trans. "She has created this amazing canon for young people and it has jumped into the consciousness of the society. It’s about good versus evil, kindness versus cruelty. I find her views ironic and inexplicable."

He sought to separate the production from the author, adding, "I’ve never met her, she’s not really involved in this production at all. But the people who are, are remarkable."

This is not the first time Lithgow has publicly grappled with the decision. In an interview last April, he revealed that a friend with a transgender child had sent him an open letter published in Book Riot. The letter urged him to decline the role to "send a message to trans young people that they matter more than a fantasy franchise."

At the time, Lithgow expressed his bewilderment at the situation, stating, "I thought, ‘Why is this a factor at all?’ I wonder how J.K. Rowling has absorbed it." He also noted his curiosity about a potential future meeting, saying, "I suppose at a certain point I’ll meet her, and I’m curious to talk to her."

Lithgow is not alone among the new cast in addressing the controversy. Fellow actors including Nick Frost, set to play Rubeus Hagrid, and Paapa Essiedu have similarly distanced themselves from Rowling's views while accepting their roles in the upcoming series.