HBO is forging ahead with its highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, and it appears they've found their new Professor Dumbledore in the form of acclaimed actor John Lithgow. While HBO and Warner Bros. have yet to officially confirm the casting, Lithgow himself shared the exciting news in an interview with ScreenRant.
The announcement came as a surprise to Lithgow, who received the offer during the Sundance Film Festival. "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 revealed. Despite the weight of the decision, Lithgow expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, "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 marks the first casting announcement for the upcoming Harry Potter TV show, which aims to re-adapt all of J.K. Rowling's beloved books for television. The series will feature an entirely new cast bringing to life iconic characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, among others from the Hogwarts universe. Rowling will take on the role of executive producer, alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.
Although Lithgow's verbal confirmation is a significant step, the absence of a full cast suggests that the series may still be some time away from entering production. Known for his versatile performances, Lithgow has made a name for himself across both film and television. He is perhaps most recognized for his role as Dick Solomon in the sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun, and he received critical acclaim and an Emmy for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's The Crown.
