Potterheads, get ready! Hollywood veteran John Lithgow has officially confirmed that he will be stepping into the legendary role of Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series.
Lithgow, best known for his incredible performances in The Crown, Dexter, and Shrek (as the voice of Lord Farquaad), shared the news in an interview while promoting his latest project. Though HBO has yet to officially close the deal, Lithgow himself seems confident, admitting that the decision was tough due to the long-term commitment. The show is set to begin filming in the summer of 2025 and is aiming for a late 2026 or early 2027 release.
His casting is an interesting choice, especially as the original movies famously stuck to an all-British cast. However, Lithgow’s past role as Winston Churchill in The Crown proved he can pull off a convincing British accent, easing any concerns fans might have.
The Harry Potter reboot is still in its early stages, and while we don’t know who will play Harry, Hermione, and Ron yet, reports suggest the show is holding open auditions to find fresh talent. Other casting rumors hint at Black Mirror star Paapa Essiedu possibly playing Severus Snape.
With HBO bringing Harry Potter back to life, fans can expect a deeper dive into the magical world. What do you think of John Lithgow as Dumbledore? Let us know your thoughts!