The Controversy Surrounding John Lithgow's Dumbledore: Why "Harry Potter" Fans Aren't Thrilled
Fans of 'Harry Potter' expressing frustration - Harry Potter enthusiasts expressing frustration
Here's the lowdown on John Lithgow landing the iconic role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming "Harry Potter" series. While Lithgow is pumped, not all fans are on board—and it's all down to his nationality and the legacy of the prior Dumbledore actor.
John Lithgow (79), who confesses to being "very intimidated," shared his excitement with media outlets like the BBC's "The One Show." This role, once played by the late Richard Harris in the initial "Harry Potter" films, has been a hot topic of debate for fans. Lithgow will fill Michael Gambon’s shoes, who took over after Harris's demise.
"I'll be following in Michael Gambon's footsteps," Lithgow stated, also reminding fans that he previously portrayed Winston Churchill in "The Crown" and nailed it. The American actor addressed the criticism of his casting by stating, "It's a big deal. But I know that many people were horrified that an American was being considered for the role of the ultimate English wizard. But I'll give it my best." Lithgow's got some awards on his shelf, including one Emmy for his Churchill role in "The Crown," two Golden Globes, and two Oscar nominations.
But Why the Backlash?
Nationality Concerns
Fans have raised eyebrows due to Lithgow's American lineage. Harris, along with several other British and Irish actors, portrayed the character in the films. Lithgow acknowledged the tradition by referencing his Emmy-winning Churchill role, even though some fans remain skeptical[1][3].
Legacy Pressure
Lithgow steps into Gambon's formidable footprints, who left a memorable mark (and a few meme-worthy moments, like "Dumbledore asked calmly"). Fans question whether Lithgow can capture the character's collected authority[2][4].
The new series, slated to be a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling's book series, will be produced by Max, a streaming service by Warner Bros. Discovery. The series will be available on-demand across all regions where the service is available, including Germany, Turkey, the UK, and Italy.
Factoids
- John Lithgow
- Nationality Controversy
- Michael Gambon's Legacy
- BBC
- Richard Harris' Demise
- John Lithgow, who is excited about playing Dumbledore in the upcoming "Harry Potter" series on Max, has faced criticism from some fans due to his American nationality, a contrast from the British and Irish actors who previously portrayed the character.
- In the "Harry Potter" universe, Michael Gambon, who took over the role of Dumbledore from the late Richard Harris, left a significant impact, with meme-worthy moments like "Dumbledore asked calmly." Fans are curious if John Lithgow can replicate that collected authority.
- Lithgow, despite the backlash, is confident in his ability to portray Dumbledore, citing his Emmy-winning role as Winston Churchill in "The Crown" as evidence of his acting skills.
- The BBC reported on Lithgow's excitement about landing the Dumbledore role, which was initially played by Richard Harris and subsequently by Michael Gambon in the films. Critics of Lithgow's casting are concerned about the legacy pressure associated with the iconic character in the world of movies, TV, and pop-culture.
