John Lithgow Reveals He'll Play Dumbledore in HBO's Harry Potter TV Series

HBO is pushing forward with its highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, and it seems they've made a significant casting decision. Renowned actor John Lithgow has been confirmed to take on the iconic role of Professor Dumbledore. In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow shared that he was approached for the role during the Sundance Film Festival, and after much consideration, he accepted it, describing it as a defining moment for 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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While this marks the first casting announcement for the new Harry Potter TV show, it's worth noting that HBO and Warner Bros. have yet to officially confirm Lithgow's involvement. HBO's ambitious project aims to bring all of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books to life on the small screen, featuring a fresh cast to portray characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the rest of the Hogwarts community. J.K. Rowling herself will serve as an executive producer, joined by Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.

Despite Lithgow's verbal commitment, the series is still in the early stages, with the full cast yet to be announced, indicating that production may still be some time away. John Lithgow, a seasoned actor known for his versatile roles, gained fame for portraying Dick Solomon in the sitcom "3rd Rock from the Sun." He also earned critical acclaim and an Emmy Award for his role as Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's "The Crown."