HBO’s Harry Potter TV Series Casts John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore; Legendary Actor Calls It ‘Last Chapter’ of His Life

It’s been announced that John Lithgow will be stepping into the role of Albus Dumbledore for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series. This accomplished actor, known for his versatile performances on screen and stage, is taking over from Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, who portrayed the iconic Hogwarts headmaster in the movie adaptations.

In an interview with ScreenRant on Tuesday, Lithgow shared that receiving the invitation came as a surprise while he was attending the Sundance Film Festival. He didn’t dismiss the role’s significance and acknowledged that deciding to join the long-running series wasn’t an easy choice. However, he expressed his excitement about becoming part of the Harry Potter universe, aware that the show plays a crucial part in the final act of his professional career.

Lithgow shared, “I was utterly taken aback when I received a call during the Sundance Film Festival about another movie. It wasn’t a simple choice since this role will shape the final phase of my career, but I’m genuinely thrilled about it!

In simpler terms, the actor from the Conclave stated, “There’s renewed interest in the world of Harry Potter. Making this decision has been tough due to that fact. By the time we wrap up, I’ll be 87 years old, but I’ve agreed to do it.

HBO’s rendition is said to closely follow J.K. Rowling’s beloved book series, with each season covering a single novel. The project is expected to span at least seven seasons, requiring a substantial long-term commitment from the cast. Given that John Lithgow stated this, by the end of the show, he might be in his late 80s.

In response to Lithgow’s remarks, HBO clarified, “Since a popular show like this is bound to spark a lot of gossip and conjecture, we’ll only reveal information once we’ve solidified the agreements during pre-production.

Initially, Richard Harris played Professor Dumbledore, headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. However, Michael Gambon took over the part for the following six Harry Potter movies after Harris passed away in 2002. In contrast, Jude Law portrayed a younger version of Dumbledore in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022).

In summary, HBO has emphasized that their upcoming project aims to introduce the Wizarding World to a fresh audience, while maintaining fidelity to the original content and ensuring that the casting process is both inclusive and diverse.

HBO’s Harry Potter TV series is planned for a late 2026 or early 2027 release.

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2025-02-26 10:53