John Lithgow to Portray Dumbledore in HBO's Harry Potter Series

HBO is making significant strides with its highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, and it appears they've secured a pivotal casting: John Lithgow will portray the iconic Professor Dumbledore.

Reports indicate that HBO has been diligently searching for the perfect actor to fill Dumbledore's shoes, and it seems their quest has concluded. In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow confirmed his acceptance of the role, describing it as a defining moment in 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 shared. He expressed excitement about the project, noting the involvement of "wonderful people" returning to the Harry Potter universe. "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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12 ImagesThis marks the first casting announcement for the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, although it is yet to be officially confirmed by HBO and Warner Bros.

HBO's ambitious plan is to adapt all of J.K. Rowling’s books into a television format, introducing a fresh cast to portray beloved characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the entire Hogwarts student body. 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.

Lithgow, a seasoned actor renowned for his versatile performances, is perhaps best known for his role as Dick Solomon in the sitcom "3rd Rock from the Sun." He also garnered critical acclaim and an Emmy for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's "The Crown."