Hold onto your wands and your blood slides, folks! Hollywood legend John Lithgow is dropping bombshells about his future roles, and they’re both magical and monstrous.
The man who terrified us as the chilling Trinity Killer in “Dexter” and charmed us as the eccentric, wise Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO “Harry Potter” series is hinting that these might be some of his last big gigs.
A Difficult Conversation: “Pod Meets World” Explores Grooming and Childhood Sexual Abuse
In a departure from their usual format, the “Pod Meets World” podcast took a break from recapping “Boy Meets World” to tackle a crucial and sensitive topic. During their Feb. 19 episode, co-hosts Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle, along with family therapist Kati Morton, discussed the difficult subjects of grooming, childhood sexual abuse, and its effects on victims. This episode marked a significant shift for the podcast, which typically focuses on the nostalgia and lighter moments of the beloved ’90s sitcom.
The decision to address these serious issues was not taken lightly. Fishel explained that the conversation was necessary, given the upcoming release of the “Quiet on Set” docuseries, which delves into allegations of abuse on various Nickelodeon sets. The co-hosts felt compelled to share their experiences with Brian Peck, a guest star from Season 5 of “Boy Meets World,” who was later convicted of sexually abusing a child actor.
The episode began with Fishel setting the tone for an open and honest discussion, even when uncomfortable. She emphasized the importance of recounting their experiences to provide context for Peck’s involvement in the docuseries. Friedle and Strong, who had both worked closely with Peck, shared their personal stories, offering a rare glimpse into the complexities of grooming and the long-term impact on victims.
A Personal Story: Rider Strong, Will Friedle, and Danielle Fishel Share Their Experiences
Friedle recounted how Peck, who was nearly 20 years older, quickly ingratiated himself into their lives. “I didn’t really go to parties. I didn’t really do that stuff. But I was working a lot after ‘Boy Meets World,’ and this guy had so ingratiated himself into my life, I took him to three shows after ‘Boy Meets World,’” Friedle explained. He described Peck as a charismatic figure who presented himself as a great, funny guy, making it easy to want to spend time with him. Strong echoed this sentiment, noting that Peck was often seen hanging out with the cast outside of work, a behavior that was unusual for a guest star.
Fishel added that Peck’s close relationship with the cast was facilitated by his charm and personability. “All the years of having stand-ins, no one ever, do I remember, regularly went to lunch with the cast members. But this person did and part of that’s because, when they arrived on set, they were extremely charming. They were very personable. They had a lot of jokes,” Fishel said. Peck’s ability to blend in and build trust with the young cast members was a key factor in his ability to groom them.
Boundaries and Red Flags: The Lack of Adult Supervision on Set
The discussion also highlighted the lack of boundaries and adult supervision on set, which contributed to Peck’s behavior. Fishel noted that while Peck was gay, the young cast members did not care, and the other adults on set did not intervene. “The other adults on set, who maybe could have or should have said, ‘Why are you guys going to lunch with this guy?’ ‘Why is this guy going to Rider’s house for a party?’ There was probably a part of them that didn’t say it because they were afraid it was going to be taken as homophobia, instead of, ‘This is a boundary, gay or not. This is a boundary about adults and kids,’” Fishel explained.
This lack of clear boundaries and adult supervision created an environment where Peck could easily manipulate and groom the young cast members. Friedle recalled that Peck would often spin the story to make himself the victim, a tactic common in grooming. “When Peck was accused in 2003, he called Friedle and was crying while ‘instantly spinning it to where it wasn’t his fault, it was clearly the fault of his victim.’ At first, Friedle believed him. ‘My instinct initially was, ‘My friend, this can’t be. It’s gotta be the other person’s fault.’ The story makes complete sense the way that he’s saying it,’” Friedle said.
New York Comic-Con Lineup: Paramount+ Previews Thrilling Entertainment
Paramount+ Panel Highlights: “Dexter: Original Sin” and “School Spirits”
The “Star Trek” Universe will warp back into New York Comic-Con as part of Paramount+’s lineup for the annual fan convention, which runs from Oct. 17–20 at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. The streamer will hold a fan activation for the upcoming series “Dexter: Original Sin” on the convention floor, and bring the cast and creators of the supernatural high school drama “School Spirits” to discuss Season 2.
The “School Spirits” panel will take place on Friday, Oct. 18, and will focus on filling in fans on how teenage ghost Maddie Nears (Peyton List) moves forward in her quest to return to the world of the living now that she’s learned how she joined the afterlife in the first place. Megan Trinrud and Nate Trinrud created and executive produce the show and Oliver Goldstick is executive producer and showrunner. The cast includes Kristian Ventura, Milo Manheim, Spencer MacPherson, Kiara Pichardo, Sarah Yarkin, Nick Pugliese, Rainbow Wedell and Josh Zuckerman. Season 2 is set to debut later this year.
Star Trek Universe: A Deep Dive into the Franchise
The next day, on Oct. 19, the “Star Trek Universe” panel will feature the cast and producers of the animated comedy “Star Trek: Lower Decks” previewing the show’s fifth and final season, which premieres five days later on Oct. 24. The show, created and executive produced by Mike McMahan, stars Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid, Noël Wells and Eugene Cordero as four low-ranking officers on the USS Cerritos, who were all promoted in Season 4 from ensigns to lieutenant (junior grade).
The “Star Trek” panel will also feature the cast and producers of “Star Trek: Section 31,” the first TV movie in the franchise’s history. Directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi (“Star Trek: Discovery”), the film stars Michelle Yeoh reprising her “Discovery” role as Philippa Georgiou, a ruthless dictator from the alternative reality the Mirror Universe displaced into the main “Trek” universe. In the film, she’s conscripted to join a division of Starfleet’s titular black ops division, which includes characters played by Omari Hardwick, Sam Richardson and Kacey Rohl.
Immersive Activations: Enter the Dexter Universe
To promote the inaugural season of the prequel series “Dexter: Original Sin” — which chronicles how a young Dexter Morgan became a serial killer of serial killers — Paramount+ is bringing the character’s “kill room” to its booth on the convention floor. According to the streamer, fans “will have the opportunity to enter a fully immersive activation for a photo opportunity and a first look at where it all began.”
This immersive experience will allow fans to step into the mind of Dexter, one of television’s most infamous anti-heroes. The “kill room” activation is a testament to Paramount+’s commitment to creating engaging and interactive experiences for their audience, ensuring that fans feel fully immersed in the Dexter universe.
The “Dexter: Original Sin” panel will also feature key cast and crew members discussing the series’ development, the challenges of adapting the beloved character for a new generation, and the expectations for the upcoming season. Fans can expect a deep dive into the dark and twisted world of Dexter Morgan, as well as insights into the creative process behind the series.
The New York Comic-Con lineup promises to be an exciting event for fans of Paramount+ and the “Star Trek” Universe. With panels, immersive activations, and exclusive previews, Gizmoposts24’s audience can look forward to a weekend filled with thrilling entertainment and engaging discussions. Whether you’re a fan of supernatural dramas, animated comedies, or the iconic “Star Trek” franchise, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Comic-Con.
Conclusion
In a recent interview, John Lithgow opened up about his latest role as Dumbledore in the HBO ‘Harry Potter’ series, which he believes may be his last major role. The veteran actor also discussed the possibility of reprising his iconic character, the Trinity Killer, in the upcoming ‘Dexter’ series. This news not only sends shockwaves through the entertainment industry but also sparks excitement among fans of both franchises. Lithgow’s candid conversation about his career and future plans serves as a poignant reminder that even the most accomplished actors eventually face the reality of retirement.
The significance of Lithgow’s statement lies in the impact it has on the legions of fans who have grown up with his iconic characters. His portrayal of the Trinity Killer in ‘Dexter’ is widely regarded as one of the most chilling villains in television history, and the prospect of his return is a tantalizing one. Meanwhile, his take on Dumbledore brings a fresh perspective to the beloved ‘Harry Potter’ series. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that Lithgow’s legacy will be felt for years to come. As we look to the future, it will be fascinating to see how his final roles are received and whether they cement his status as a Hollywood legend.
As we bid farewell to an era of John Lithgow’s illustrious career, we’re reminded that the true magic of acting lies not in the number of roles, but in the indelible mark left on our collective imagination. With a career spanning decades, Lithgow has proven himself to be a master of his craft, weaving a tapestry of characters that will continue to captivate audiences long after he takes his final bow. As the curtains draw to a close on this chapter of his life, one thing is certain – John Lithgow’s legacy will be forever etched in the annals of Hollywood history, inspiring generations of actors to come.
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