John Lithgow has officially been cast as Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series. The confirmation comes after weeks of speculation regarding who would step into the iconic role previously played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.
In an exclusive interview with ScreenRant, John Lithgow, 79, revealed that while he is thrilled about the opportunity, the decision to take on the role was not an easy one. “It came as a total surprise to me,” he shared. “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. But I’m very excited.”
The actor acknowledged the significance of returning to the Harry Potter universe, calling the team behind the reboot “wonderful people.” He also joked about the longevity of the project, adding, “I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
Despite John Lithgow’s confirmation, HBO has remained cautious about locking in details. In a statement addressing the actor’s comments, the network said: “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
This statement suggests that while John Lithgow has accepted the role, official contracts may still be in the process of being finalized.
With John Lithgow’s announcement, he becomes the first confirmed cast member for the HBO reboot. The Harry Potter TV series, which is aiming for a late 2026 or early 2027 release, is expected to begin filming in summer 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the U.K.
His casting could also signal a shift in casting choices for the series. The original films were known for casting predominantly British actors, but John Lithgow, an American, stepping into such a crucial role suggests the show may be expanding its talent search beyond the U.K. While the actor has previously demonstrated a convincing British accent in The Crown as Winston Churchill, some fans may have strong opinions about this departure from tradition.
John Lithgow is no stranger to major roles in film and television. With a career spanning over five decades, he has starred in The Old Man (2022–2024), Dexter, and The Crown, where he portrayed Winston Churchill. On the big screen, he’s known for performances in Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), Interstellar (2014), and Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011).
He has also received two Academy Award nominations for The World According to Garp (1982) and Terms of Endearment (1983). Notably, many fans remember him as the voice of Lord Farquaad in Shrek (2001), showcasing his range as a performer.
With John Lithgow breaking the seal on casting confirmations, speculation is now growing regarding the rest of the ensemble. Reports suggest that Paapa Essiedu is being considered for Severus Snape, though no official announcement has been made. Meanwhile, the show’s core trio—Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley—are still being cast, with HBO reportedly conducting a wide search for fresh talent.
With the Harry Potter TV series now taking shape, John Lithgow’s casting signals that development is moving forward. As more names emerge in the coming months, fans can expect the reboot to bring fresh perspectives while honoring the legacy of the Wizarding World.
