John Lithgow is in final negotiations to take on the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore in HBO‘s new adaptation of J.K. Rowley’s Harry Potter fantasy book series.
The news came from Deadline, but HBO declind to comment on the casting, only saying: “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.”
Lithgow is an unnexpected but great casting choice! I mean, who doesn’t love John Lithgow? And I think he’ll be awesome in the role of the powerful wizard, who is also the headmaster of the Hogwarts wizarding school and the leader of the Order of the Phoenix.
HBO’s Harry Potter series is being designed to run over a decade, and it’s being developed by writer and showrunner Francesca Gardiner, and director and executive producer Mark Mylod.
The series has previously been described as a “faithful adaptation” of Rowling’s novels which will “dive deep into each of the iconic books.”
Dumbledore was previously played by the late Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the Harry Potter movie franchise. Jude Law then played a younger version of the character in the Fantastic Beasts prequel films.
Lithgow will be the first American to play the character, but he has played British characters in some of the projects he’s appeared in over the course of his career. Most recently he portrayad Winston Churchill on The Crown. He is next set to appear in the horror film The Rule of Jenny Pen.
Some other actors who have been rumored to be up for roles in the series include Paapa Essiedu for Potions Master Snape and Sharon Horgan and Lesley Manville for Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall.
Then there’s Brett Goldstein for Hogwarts’ gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid and Cillian Murphy for Professor Quirinus Quirrell or Lord Voldemort.
Then there’s the 32,000 kids who have sent audition tapes in for the lead roles of Harry, Hermione and Ron.
The Harry Potter TV series is set to premiere on HBO in late 2026 or early 2027.
Source: Deadline
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