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

HBO is pushing forward with its ambitious new Harry Potter TV series, and it appears they've secured a significant casting coup. John Lithgow has been confirmed to take on the iconic role of Professor Dumbledore, a character that has been pivotal in the wizarding world's narrative.

In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow shared his surprise and excitement about joining the Harry Potter universe. "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 remarked. Despite the weight of the decision, Lithgow expressed enthusiasm about the project, noting, "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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12 ImagesWhile Lithgow's casting marks the first announcement for the series, it's worth noting that HBO and Warner Bros. have yet to officially confirm his involvement. HBO's vision for the show is to re-adapt all of J.K. Rowling's beloved novels for television, introducing a fresh cast to portray beloved characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the rest of the Hogwarts community. J.K. Rowling herself will serve as an executive producer, joined by Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.

Despite Lithgow's verbal confirmation, the absence of a complete cast suggests that the series is still in the early stages of production. Lithgow, an acclaimed actor known for his roles in both film and television, brings a wealth of experience to the project. His notable performances include his Emmy-winning portrayal of Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's The Crown and his role as Dick Solomon in the beloved sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun.