John Lithgow Tapped for Albus Dumbledore Role
Who’s playing Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series coming to HBO? Apparently, John Lithgow. The actor is in final talks to portray Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” books, according to sources confirmed by Variety.
HBO declined to confirm Lithgow’s casting outright, stating, “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.”
Murray Close/Warner Bros. Pictures
A Beloved Wizard Reimagined
In Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, Dumbledore serves as the wise, compassionate, yet enigmatic headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Known for mentoring Harry Potter in his battle against Lord Voldemort, Richard Harris and later Michael Gambon portrayed the character in the original film franchise.
Related | Is Albus Dumbledore Gay?
A Faithful Adaptation Spanning a Decade
HBO has described its new “Harry Potter” series as a “faithful adaptation” that will introduce a fresh ensemble cast and expand fandom for a new generation. HBO confirmed the project will likely span a decade, with the original films—which ran from 2001 to 2011—remaining “at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
Newcomers for the Trio
Harry, Hermione and Ron will likely be portrayed by newcomers. In fall 2024, Warner Bros. launched an open casting call for children aged 9 to 11. The studio hoped to discover fresh faces to bring the iconic trio to life for this long-term series commitment.
Original Films Still Central to the Franchise
Although the TV adaptation promises fresh storylines, the studio emphasizes that the existing “Harry Potter” films continue to be a cornerstone of the wizarding world. Fans can still stream or watch the original eight movies worldwide, even as the franchise expands with this new HBO production.
Further Details Forthcoming
Deadline was the first to report on Lithgow’s potential casting. Additional updates about “Harry Potter” on HBO—including final casting announcements—are expected as pre-production moves forward.
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