‘Harry Potter’: John Lithgow confirms casting as Dumbledore in HBO series
"It's going to define me for the last chapter of my life... I'll be about 87 years old at the wrap party"
by Surej Singh · NMEActor John Lithgow has confirmed his casting as Albus Dumbledore in HBO‘s upcoming TV adaptation of Harry Potter.
Earlier this month, it was reported that American actor John Lithgow was being eyed for the role of Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts and a mentor figure to the titular Harry Potter in HBO’s forthcoming TV series.
According to Lithgow – in a chat with Screen Rant – he has accepted the offer and will be starring in the series as the iconic wizard. It will mark the first time in franchise history that the role has been played by a non-British or Irish actor.
Speaking to Screen Rant about his casting, Lithgow said of his casting: “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 continued: “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.”
So far, Dumbledore has been portrayed by four actors throughout the eight mainline Harry Potter films and three Fantastic Beasts prequels. Richard Harris played the character in The Sorcerer’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets before his death, and was later replaced by Michael Gambon for the remaining six mainline films. Gambon died in 2023 at the age of 82.
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In flashbacks during Deathly Hallows Parts I and II, a young Dumbledore was portrayed by Toby Regbo. Finally, a middle-aged Dumbledore was portrayed by Jude Law in the Fantastic Beasts films.
John Lithgow is best known for his roles in Dexter, The Crown, Conclave, Killers of the Flower Moon, 3rd Rock From The Sun and more, and has won six Emmy awards throughout his career.
Lithgow’s attachment to the role comes after it was reported in November that Mark Rylance was a favourite to play Dumbledore. So far, no cast members – including the titular character – have been announced.
More news regarding the adult cast is expected to arrive reasonably soon, before shooting begins at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden – where the original movies were also filmed – over the summer.
- READ MORE: ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’ review: sparks of magic but the spell doesn’t hold
Fans have discussed the possibility of Cillian Murphy playing Voldemort, with Ralph Fiennes backing the Oppenheimer star for the role, too, while it’s been reported that Paapa Essiedu is in talks to play Severus Snape.
Back in December, it was revealed that the series – which is expected to run for a decade – has been pushed back until 2027. Warner Bros. Discovery global streaming chief JB Perrette said of the decision: “As you look at ’26 and into ’27, you begin a 10-year journey on the Harry Potter series, which we’re super excited about. And I’d argue, may be the biggest event by the time we get to that series.”
Some 32,000 children have auditioned for the core cast of characters, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.