John Lithgow Nearing Deal to Portray Dumbledore in HBO's Harry Potter Series

HBO is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with John Lithgow, renowned for his role as Lord Farquaad in "Shrek," to portray the iconic Hogwarts headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, in the much-anticipated Harry Potter reboot. According to Variety, Lithgow is on the verge of securing this pivotal role, although HBO has yet to officially confirm the news. This development comes as a surprise, especially since Variety had previously indicated in November that Mark Rylance was the frontrunner for the role of Dumbledore.

An HBO spokesperson commented on the swirling rumors, 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." This cautious approach underscores the network's strategy amid the heightened interest in the series.

John Lithgow's extensive acting resume includes notable performances in "The World According to Garp," "Terms of Endearment," "Footloose," "Dexter," and "The Crown," showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor.

John Lithgow. Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images.

Despite numerous reports suggesting progress in casting, details remain tightly under wraps. HBO is also on the hunt for actors to fill the roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, with Paapa Essiedu reportedly set to play Severus Snape. The series aims to maintain its British roots, a decision possibly influenced by the involvement of the original author, J.K. Rowling, who is described as "fairly involved" in the casting process.

Announced in April 2023, the Harry Potter reboot promises to be a "faithful adaptation" of the beloved novels, offering a more "in-depth" exploration of the story than what was possible in the two-hour film format. The project is in capable hands, with "Succession" producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod set to direct and write, the latter having also worked on "Game of Thrones."