Actor John Lithgow has defended his role in HBO’s upcoming series based on JK Rowling’s Harry Potter novels despite backlash The author’s perspective on transgender issues.

The 80-year-old actor was asked about the controversy surrounding his decision to take on the role of Albus Dumbledore, as Rowling has been outspoken against transgender ideology and defended women-only spaces.

Lithgow insisted he took the criticism “extremely seriously” and called Rowling’s views “ironic” given the themes of her fantasy series.

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Author JK Rowling has faced backlash for her outspoken criticism of transgender ideology. (Stewart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

“Young and old alike love Harry Potter and the stories of Harry Potter,” Lithgow reportedly said. hollywood reporter. “It’s very much about acceptance. It’s about good and evil. It’s about kindness and cruelty. It’s deeply felt.”

” TV series that lasted eight years It’s amazing…I really want to work with these people. “

Lithgow added that there was “no transphobic sensitivity whatsoever” in the story and said he was frustrated when he learned that some critics were opposed to his involvement in the project.

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Last year, John Lithgow played Dumbledore in HBO’s new series “Harry Potter.” (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

“So it was a difficult decision based on (the controversy) and people were actively insisting that I give up the job, which made me very uncomfortable and unhappy. But I chose not to do that,” Lithgow said.

Lithgow previously stated in an article Interview in April He was shocked by the backlash he received from joining the series and said he did not consider Rowling’s political views before accepting the role.

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He also said that before taking the role, he received a text message from “a very good friend who is also the mother of a transgender child,” calling the moment “the canary in the coal mine.”

However, Lithgow said the controversy did not make him reconsider the role.

John Lithgow has often defended taking on the role, despite the backlash against JK Rowling’s views. (Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)

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“Of course, it’s a big decision because this is probably the last major role I’ll play. It’s an eight-year commitment, so I’m just thinking about mortality and it’s a really nice role to wind down,” Lithgow said.