HBO is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with acclaimed actor John Lithgow, known for his role as Lord Farquaad in "Shrek," to portray the iconic Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the much-anticipated Harry Potter reboot series. According to Variety, Lithgow is close to finalizing his role, though HBO has remained tight-lipped, refusing to confirm the casting news. This development comes as a surprise, especially since Variety previously reported in November that Mark Rylance was the top choice for the role of Dumbledore.
A spokesperson for HBO addressed the swirling rumors and speculation, 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 HBO's strategy to keep casting announcements under wraps until everything is set in stone.
John Lithgow, with a versatile career spanning films like "The World According to Garp," "Terms of Endearment," and "Footloose," as well as television hits such as "Dexter" and "The Crown," brings a wealth of experience to the role of Dumbledore. His potential casting adds an exciting dimension to the reboot, which aims to delve deeper into the world of Harry Potter.
John Lithgow. Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images.
Despite various reports suggesting progress in casting, HBO has kept most details confidential. The network is also on the hunt for actors to play Harry, Hermione, and Ron, with Paapa Essiedu reportedly set to take on the role of Severus Snape. The series will continue the tradition of the films by focusing on British talent, a decision that aligns with the involvement of original author J.K. Rowling, who remains "fairly involved" in the casting process.
Announced in April 2023, the Harry Potter series promises to be a "faithful adaptation" of the 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 at the helm, the latter of whom also contributed to Game of Thrones.
