The ever-expanding Harry Potter franchise is set to introduce a new television series, bringing J.K. Rowling’s beloved books back to life on screen.
This adaptation will revisit the events of the novels following the highly successful film series, which ran from 2001 to 2011. Now, reports indicate that actor John Lithgow is being considered for the role of Albus Dumbledore in this upcoming HBO production.
As the revered headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore is one of the most significant figures in the Harry Potter universe.
The casting choice for this character will play a crucial role in shaping the tone and direction of the series. Previously, the role was portrayed by the late Irish actors Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, while Jude Law took on the younger version of the character in the Fantastic Beasts spin-offs.
At present, John Lithgow’s involvement in the project has not been officially confirmed. While he is reportedly in talks for the role, HBO has a policy of withholding comment until casting deals are finalized. However, if discussions are progressing as reported, an official announcement may not be far off.
John Lithgow For Albus Dumbledore
Although other actors have been rumored for roles in HBO’s Harry Potter series, no casting choices have been formally confirmed.
If Lithgow is indeed cast as Dumbledore, it would mark the first official casting announcement for the show, potentially paving the way for additional updates in the near future.
Notably, the original Harry Potter films were known for exclusively casting non-American actors. Should Lithgow take on the role, it would represent a significant departure from this tradition.
While the actor has demonstrated his ability to adopt a British accent, previous portrayals of Dumbledore were performed by actors who were authentically Irish or British. This decision would underscore the series’ effort to forge a new path within the Harry Potter brand.
The highly anticipated Harry Potter television series is currently slated for a premiere on HBO sometime between late 2026 and early 2027.
