John Lithgow to Portray Dumbledore in HBO's Harry Potter Series

HBO is pushing forward with its highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, and it appears they've made significant progress in casting, with John Lithgow set to portray the iconic Professor Dumbledore. According to reports, HBO has been searching for the perfect Dumbledore for some time, and it seems their search has concluded with Lithgow stepping into the role.

In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow confirmed his acceptance of the role, noting that it will define the "last chapter" of his career. "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," he said. Despite the weight of the decision, Lithgow expressed excitement about being part of the project, stating, "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 Lithgow's casting is the first to be reported for the Harry Potter TV series, it is important to note that HBO and Warner Bros. have yet to officially confirm his involvement. HBO's ambitious plan is to re-adapt all of J.K. Rowling's beloved books into a television format, featuring an entirely new cast to bring characters like Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the rest of the Hogwarts community to life. Rowling herself will serve as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.

Despite Lithgow's verbal confirmation, the absence of a complete cast suggests that the series may still be some time away from entering full production. John Lithgow, a seasoned actor known for his roles in both film and television, is perhaps best recognized for his portrayal of Dick Solomon in the sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun. He also received critical acclaim and an Emmy for his role as Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's The Crown.