HBO is forging ahead with its highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, and it seems they've found their new Professor Dumbledore in the form of John Lithgow. While HBO and Warner Bros. have yet to officially confirm the casting, Lithgow himself shared the news in an interview with ScreenRant, indicating that this role will mark the "last chapter" of his illustrious 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 expressed excitement about joining the project, noting the involvement of "wonderful people" in bringing Harry Potter back to the screen. "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," he added.
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This casting news marks the first for the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, which aims to re-adapt all of J.K. Rowling's books. The series will feature an entirely new cast portraying beloved characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the rest of the Hogwarts community. J.K. Rowling 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 is still some time away from entering full production.
John Lithgow, a seasoned actor known for his roles in both film and television, is perhaps most recognized for his portrayal of Dick Solomon in the sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun. He also garnered critical acclaim and an Emmy for his role as Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's The Crown.
