HBO is accelerating its plans for the much-anticipated Harry Potter TV series, and it appears that the search for the iconic Professor Dumbledore has concluded with the casting of John Lithgow. According to reports, HBO had been seeking the perfect actor for this pivotal role for quite some time, and it seems they have found their man in Lithgow.
In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow confirmed his acceptance of the role, describing it as a defining moment for 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," he shared. Despite the weight of the decision, Lithgow expressed excitement about joining the project, highlighting the involvement of "wonderful people" in bringing Harry Potter back to the screen. "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," he added.
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This marks the first casting announcement for HBO's Harry Potter TV series, although it has yet to be officially confirmed by HBO and Warner Bros. The project aims to re-adapt all of J.K. Rowling’s books for television, introducing a fresh cast to portray beloved characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the Hogwarts community. J.K. Rowling herself will serve as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.
Despite Lithgow's verbal confirmation, the series' full cast has not yet been announced, suggesting that production may still be some time away. Lithgow, a seasoned actor known for his roles in both film and television, gained widespread recognition for playing Dick Solomon in the sitcom "3rd Rock from the Sun." He also received critical acclaim and an Emmy for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's "The Crown."
