John Lithgow Confirms He Will Play Dumbledore in HBO’s Harry Potter Series
The Iconic Wizard Gets a New Face
The halls of Hogwarts are set to welcome a new headmaster as John Lithgow officially confirms he will portray Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter television series. Lithgow, known for his legendary career spanning decades across film, television, and theater, steps into the role previously held by the late Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.
A Magical Opportunity—and a Tough Decision
In a candid interview with Screen Rant while promoting his latest project, The Rule of Jenny Penn, Lithgow revealed that the opportunity to play one of the most beloved characters in literary and cinematic history came as an unexpected surprise.
“Well, it came as a total surprise to me,” Lithgow shared. “I just got the phone call while I was at Sundance for another film, and it wasn’t an easy decision. It’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That’s why it’s been such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
HBO Stays Quiet—For Now
While Lithgow himself has confirmed his involvement, HBO has remained tight-lipped about casting details. When reached for comment, the network provided a cautious statement:
“We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
This suggests that while Lithgow is on board, his contract may still be in the final stages of negotiation. Given HBO’s silence on casting thus far, it’s possible Lithgow may have jumped the gun in revealing the news. However, his involvement is sure to fuel excitement as the series moves toward production.
What Lithgow’s Casting Means for the Series
Lithgow’s casting marks a significant shift for the franchise, as he is one of the first American actors to take on a major role in the Harry Potter universe. The original films famously stuck to an all-British cast, but this decision suggests HBO may be taking a more flexible approach this time around.
Another question looming large is who will join Lithgow in the cast. Reports indicate that I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu is being eyed for the role of Severus Snape, though nothing has been officially confirmed. As for the golden trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, HBO has reportedly conducted an extensive casting search, possibly looking for fresh faces rather than established stars.
What’s Next for HBO’s Harry Potter
With Lithgow now the first confirmed cast member, the floodgates may soon open for additional announcements. HBO has set production to begin in summer 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, with a premiere targeted for late 2026 or early 2027.
One thing is for certain—Hogwarts is about to feel a little different, and fans are eager to see how Lithgow brings his own magic to the role of Albus Dumbledore.
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