HBO is pushing forward with its new Harry Potter TV series, and it appears that John Lithgow has been cast as the iconic Professor Dumbledore. According to reports, HBO has been searching for a new Dumbledore for quite some time, and it seems they've found their man. In an interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow confirmed that he has accepted the role, which he describes as defining the "last chapter" of his life.
"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," Lithgow shared. He expressed excitement about the project, noting the involvement of some wonderful people returning their attention to the Harry Potter universe. "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 announcement marks the first for the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, although it's not yet officially confirmed by HBO or Warner Bros. HBO plans to adapt all of J.K. Rowling’s books for television, featuring an entirely new cast to portray beloved characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and others from the Hogwarts universe. J.K. Rowling will serve as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.
Despite Lithgow's confirmation, the series is still far from production, as the full cast has yet to be announced. John Lithgow, a seasoned actor known for his role as Dick Solomon on the sitcom "3rd Rock from the Sun," has also received critical acclaim and an Emmy for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's "The Crown."
