Key moments
John Lithgow has made headlines with his recent performance in the play Giant, which opened on March 23, 2026, at the Music Box Theatre on Broadway. The play, which focuses on the life of renowned author Roald Dahl, has been described as both timely and provocative, addressing contemporary issues such as cancel culture and political correctness.
In Giant, Lithgow portrays Dahl, exploring the complexities of his character amid a scandal surrounding his antisemitic comments. Critics have praised Lithgow’s performance as extraordinary, with some even suggesting it may be his career-best. The play has a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes, including intermission, and has already generated significant buzz in the theatre community.
Lithgow, who signed on for the Harry Potter series in early 2025 to play Albus Dumbledore, has expressed his excitement about the role. He noted, “every interview I will ever do for the rest of my life this will come up,” highlighting the significance of both his upcoming projects and his current work in Giant.
The play was first premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in London in September 2024, and its Broadway debut marks a significant milestone for the production. Directed by Nicholas Hytner and written by Mark Rosenblatt, Giant is set in 1983 and delves into themes of bigotry and redemption, making it particularly relevant in today’s social climate.
John Lithgow’s portrayal of Dahl has been met with acclaim, with The Telegraph labeling it a frontrunner for the 2026 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. Fellow cast members and critics have praised his ability to bring depth and empathy to the role, with director Sophie Hyde stating, “John’s work comes from a place of deep empathy and humanity.”
As audiences flock to see Giant, many are eager to witness Lithgow’s masterful performance. Stella Everett, a theatre critic, remarked, “Prepare to have your mind blown. Honestly, you’re getting into a masterclass of John Lithgow.” This sentiment reflects the anticipation surrounding Lithgow’s work and the impact it is likely to have on the theatre scene.
With the success of Giant and his upcoming role in the Harry Potter series, John Lithgow continues to solidify his status as one of the most versatile and respected actors in the industry. As he navigates these significant projects, audiences and critics alike are keen to see how he will further explore the complexities of his characters and the themes they embody.