HBO is accelerating its ambitious project to bring the magical world of Harry Potter to television, and the latest buzz suggests that John Lithgow will take on the iconic role of Professor Dumbledore. According to reports, HBO has been searching for their new Dumbledore for quite some time, and it appears they may have found their man. In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow confirmed his acceptance of the role, which he described as defining the "last chapter" of his life.
"Well, it came as a total surprise to me. I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid," Lithgow shared. He expressed excitement about working with the team behind the project, adding, "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."
How to Watch Harry Potter in Chronological Order
12 Images
While this is the first casting news for HBO's Harry Potter TV series, it's important to note that neither HBO nor Warner Bros. has officially confirmed Lithgow's casting yet.
HBO aims to adapt all of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels into a television format, introducing a fresh cast to portray beloved characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the entire Hogwarts community. J.K. Rowling herself will serve as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.
Despite Lithgow's verbal commitment, the absence of a complete cast suggests that the series is still in the early stages of production.
John Lithgow, a seasoned actor with notable roles in both film and television, is perhaps best remembered for his portrayal of Dick Solomon in the sitcom "3rd Rock from the Sun." He also earned critical acclaim, including an Emmy, for his depiction of Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's "The Crown."
