HBO's highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series is making significant strides, with the first major casting announcement: the legendary John Lithgow will portray the iconic Professor Dumbledore. While not yet officially confirmed by HBO or Warner Bros., Lithgow himself revealed the news in a ScreenRant interview, stating that accepting the role was a momentous decision.
“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 wasn’t an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid,” Lithgow shared. He added, “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.”
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This casting marks the first official confirmation for the upcoming series, though the lack of a full cast suggests production is still some time away. HBO plans a complete re-adaptation of J.K. Rowling's books, featuring an entirely new ensemble to portray beloved characters like Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. Rowling will serve as executive producer alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.
Lithgow, a veteran actor celebrated for roles such as Dick Solomon in *3rd Rock from the Sun* and his Emmy-winning portrayal of Winston Churchill in *The Crown*, brings immense experience and prestige to the role. His acceptance, while unofficial until confirmed by HBO and Warner Bros., generates considerable excitement for this ambitious Harry Potter adaptation.
