CHATTER AWAY: Overnight Open Thread

Variety reports:

John Lithgow is opening up about how fans feel about him joining HBO’s “Harry Potter” series, considering the involvement of the contentious franchise creator J.K. Rowling.

In a sit-down with The Times of London, Lithgow said he has received some backlash for joining HBO’s “Harry Potter” because of Rowling’s controversial comments about the transgender community. The “Conclave” star said it was something he “absolutely” did not expect.

Lithgow added that “a very good friend who is the mother of a trans child” sent him an open letter entitled “An Open Letter to John Lithgow: Please Walk Away from Harry Potter” after he picked up the role.

Read the full article. Lithgow played a trans former NFL player in the 1982 movie The World According To Garp. His portrayal is considered a breakthrough in Hollywood’s treatment of trans characters.

John Lithgow said he “absolutely” didn’t expect backlash for joining HBO’s “Harry Potter” series in regards to J.K. Rowling’s close involvement:

“I thought, ‘Why is this a factor at all?’ I wonder how J.K. Rowling has absorbed it. I suppose at a certain point I’ll meet her, and… pic.twitter.com/81xm7Dn9ek

— Variety (@Variety) April 28, 2025