John Lithgow addresses criticism of his casting as Dumbledore in Harry Potter TV series: 'I know people were appalled'

American actor John Lithgow has spoken out about the criticism he has received for playing Albus Dumbledore in Max's upcoming Harry Potter TV series, which is based on J.K. Rowling's best-selling books. Critics praised his work in Bombshell, Interstellar and The Crown, but many long-time Wizarding World fans were unhappy to see an American actor play the part of the archetypal British wizard.

John Lithgow acknowledges legacy of Michael Gambon

Interviewed on The One Show by the BBC, Lithgow—who played Winston Churchill in The Crown on Netflix—acknowledged the worries. Looking back on Michael Gambon's legacy, the veteran actor remarked that he will be following the great actor. Gambon played Dumbledore in six of the original Harry Potter films. In an interview with The One Show, Lithgow admitted that he was not British, despite his portrayal of the country on television. The actor reminds everyone that he did play Winston Churchill on The Crown and did just fine.

Despite early doubts, he reassured fans that he was fully committed to the role. However, Lithgow admitted, it's a tremendous rush. He is aware that many were horrified by the casting of an American as the archetypal English wizard. However, he is determined to give it his best.

Committed to the role despite fan backlash

Lithgow discussed his casting as Dumbledore in a more relaxed light in a March interview with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett's SmartLess podcast. He stated that Dumbledore possesses the power of a nuclear weapon, only speaking on extremely rare occasions. The actor reportedly told People that he doesn't think it's going to be that difficult a job, and they will just go back and forth.

Under the direction of writer-showrunner Francesca Gardiner, the new series stars Lithgow alongside an ensemble cast that includes Minerva McGonagall (Janet McTeer), Severus Snape (Paapa Essiedu), Rubeus Hagrid (Nick Frost), Quirinus Quirrell (Luke Thallon), and Argus Filch (Paul Whitehouse).

Evolution of Dumbledore on screen

In the past, several actors have brought Dumbledore to life. The roles played by Richard Harris in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets were his original creations. Harris passed away in 2002. From The Prisoner of Azkaban onwards, Michael Gambon stepped in and cemented the character's position in cinematic history. In the Fantastic Beasts films, Jude Law played a younger version of the Hogwarts headmaster.

The comments made by Lithgow may go a long way towards calming the nerves of fans who are both scared of change and excited to be back in the magical Hogwarts for the reboot.