We Were Rooting For You, John Lithgow

He's disappointing! Also: Old Navy comes through, and there's a new reality show on tap... about writers?

Good day to everyone except John Lithgow, the first actor to sign onto HBO’s new and hopefully cursed Harry Potter series, and one who now has decided to be willfully obtuse about why people are upset that he’s participating in a show lining the pockets of an anti-trans bigot. Per an EW article:

But following the announcement, he received a text from "a very good friend who is the mother of a trans child," linking him to a Book Riot op-ed entitled, An Open Letter to John Lithgow: Please Walk Away from Harry Potter.

"That was the canary in the coal mine," Lithgow said. The actor went on to explain that he has been surprised by the rage that Rowling's name and involvement evokes.

“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 I’m curious to talk to her," he said.

As for whether the criticism has soured the role for him, Lithgow replied, “Oh, heavens no.”

First, sir, you are curious how JK Rowling has absor…