HBO is accelerating its plans for a new Harry Potter TV series, and it appears they've made their first major casting decision. John Lithgow has been tapped to portray the iconic Professor Dumbledore, a role he confirmed in a recent interview with ScreenRant.
Lithgow expressed his surprise at being offered the part while attending 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 stated. Despite the weight of the decision, Lithgow is enthusiastic about the project. "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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While this marks the first casting announcement for the Harry Potter TV series, it's important to note that HBO and Warner Bros. have yet to officially confirm Lithgow's involvement.
HBO's ambitious project involves re-adapting all of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels into a television format, featuring a new cast to bring beloved characters like Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley back to life. J.K. Rowling will be an executive producer alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.
Despite Lithgow's verbal confirmation, the series is still in the early stages, as a full cast has not yet been assembled, indicating that production may still be some time away.
John Lithgow, a seasoned actor with a rich history in both film and television, is perhaps best remembered for his role as Dick Solomon in the sitcom "3rd Rock from the Sun." He also garnered critical acclaim and an Emmy for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's "The Crown."
