HBO is reportedly in talks with veteran actor John Lithgow to take on the role of Albus Dumbledore in its upcoming Harry Potter TV series. If the deal is finalized, he would be the first major casting choice for the highly anticipated show. The series aims to stay true to J.K. Rowling’s seven-book saga and will be a long-term project, expected to unfold over a decade.
Dumbledore known as the headmaster of Hogwarts and a key figure in Harry Potter’s life, was previously portrayed by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the original films while Jude Law played a younger version in the Fantastic Beasts movies. If John Lithgow steps into the role, it would mark a significant shift as the character has traditionally been played by British actors.
The show’s development has been under close watch, with HBO maintaining secrecy around casting decisions. However, reports suggest that Paapa Essiedu is being considered for Severus Snape, while Sharon Horgan and Lesley Manville are among the rumoured choices for Professor McGonagall.
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The casting process for Harry, Hermione and Ron is also in progress, with a staggering 32,000 children submitting audition tapes. Mark Mylod, who is set to direct multiple episodes, confirmed that the selection process is still ongoing.
John Lithgow is no stranger to playing iconic characters. He has portrayed Winston Churchill in The Crown and recently performed as Roald Dahl in London. His potential casting as Dumbledore adds to the buzz surrounding HBO’s adaptation. The show is set to begin production at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden, where the original movies were filmed.
Harry Potter fans can expect the series to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027. If HBO finalizes Lithgow’s role soon, it would be a major step in bringing the new Hogwarts journey to life.
(Source: Deadline)
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