United Kingdom, April 4 -- John Lithgow feels that J.K. Rowling's views on trans issues have been "misrepresented".

The 80-year-old actor will play Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series that is based on Rowling's wizardry novels and explained why he decided to take the part amid the controversy surrounding the 60-year-old author's criticism of certain transgender movements.

Asked about singing up for the Harry Potter series, John told The New Yorker Radio Hour: "There was everything attractive about the job, and job security into my late years. You don't ignore those issues.

"The whole subject of Rowling's imputed prejudice, it came up after everything was already underway. I'd already said yes (.....