HBO is forging ahead with its much-anticipated Harry Potter TV series and has reportedly secured its first casting: John Lithgow is set to take on the iconic role of Professor Dumbledore.
According to a recent interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow shared that he received the unexpected offer while at the Sundance Film Festival. He expressed that accepting the role was a difficult decision, as it would define the "last chapter" of his career. "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 remarked. He added, "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, though it's worth noting that HBO and Warner Bros. have yet to officially confirm Lithgow's involvement.
HBO's ambitious project aims to bring J.K. Rowling's entire book series to television with a fresh cast portraying beloved characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the rest of the Hogwarts community. Rowling herself will serve as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.
Despite Lithgow's verbal confirmation, the absence of a complete cast suggests that the series may still be some time away from entering production.
Lithgow, a seasoned actor with an illustrious career in both film and television, is best recognized for his role as Dick Solomon in the sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun. He also garnered critical acclaim and an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the debut season of Netflix's The Crown.
