’Harry Potter’s New Dumbledore Claims J.K. Rowling Is “Not Really Involved” in the HBO Series

1 week ago 9

Published Feb 2, 2026, 3:18 PM EST

In over three years at Collider, senior author Jake has now penned over 2500 articles covering a wide range of TV and film for the resources, lists, utilities, news, and interview teams. Alongside interviewing stars such as Selin Hizli, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Harlan Coben, and Chelsea Peretti, Jake was lucky enough to visit the set of Aardman and Netflix's Wallace and Gromit: A Vengeance Most Fowl in 2024, getting the chance to chat with four-time Academy Award winner Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham. Jake has also worked for other publications, including Agents of Fandom.

Now confirmed to be debuting in early 2027, the upcoming HBO adaptation of all seven of the Harry Potter novels is gaining momentum, with fans of the series unable to hide their excitement. However, thanks to the controversy surrounding the magical franchise's creator, J.K. Rowling, each update on the upcoming series is met with instant backlash. This includes plenty of backlash for those signed onto the series, including the upcoming replacement for Michael Gambon's iconic Albus Dumbledore: John Lithgow.

Reported in recent quotes, Lithgow spoke about the upcoming series and his involvement in light of the many tendentious statements made by Rowling. "I take the subject extremely seriously," Lithgow admitted. "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." He continued, "I find her views ironic and inexplicable. I’ve never met her; she’s not really involved in this production at all. But the people who are, are remarkable." Lithgow added:

"It upsets me when people are opposed to me having anything to do with this. But in ‘Potter’ canon you see no trace of transphobic sensitivity. She’s written this meditation of kindness and acceptance. And Dumbledore is a beautiful role."

Distancing himself from Rowling is no surprise, but was Lithgow ever unsure about whether to appear in the series? "It was a hard decision," Lithgow confirmed. "It made me uncomfortable and unhappy that people insisted I walk away from the job. I chose not to do that." After one audience member, during Lithgow's comments, reportedly left the room in protest, the actor added, "I’m perfectly ready for collisions of opinion. I understand it."

'Harry Potter' Will Continue to Divide Opinion

As one of the most popular franchises in the world, and especially considering it has already been renewed for a second season, the upcoming Harry Potter series isn't going anywhere soon, and it is certain to prove popular. However, for the very same reasons, the series and those involved are going to be held to the highest of standards with their every move and action examined under a microscope. Thanks to the many controversial comments from Rowling and her involvement as executive producer in the HBO adaptation, there's going to be nothing quiet about the show's journey to premiere and beyond.

For the latest Harry Potter updates, make sure to stay tuned to Collider.