UPDATE 2/25/25 at 3:37 p.m. ET — The Harry Potter TV show officially has its first cast member.
John Lithgow has confirmed reports that he will be playing Professor Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming series. “Well, it came as a total surprise to me,” the actor, 79, said of getting the part in an interview with ScreenRant published on Tuesday, February 25. “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.”
Despite the years-long commitment, Lithgown said he was “excited” to be joining the Wizarding World. “Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That’s why it’s been such a hard decision,” he added before joking, “I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
Lithgow’s casting marks a change from the original film series, as the Oscar nominee is the first American actor to portray one of the franchise’s main characters. (Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling reportedly requested that the films be solely cast with actors from the U.K.)
HBO has not confirmed any casting details for the series.
Original story below:
John Lithgow could be eyeing a magical new role as Professor Albus Dumbledore.
The six-time Emmy winner, 79, is in final talks to play the Hogwarts headmaster in HBO’s upcoming television adaptation of Harry Potter, per multiple reports including Deadline and Variety.
“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,” HBO said in a statement to Variety.
Richard Harris originated the role of Dumbledore in the original Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001). Michael Gambon took over the role following Harris’ death, beginning with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004). Jude Law played a young Dumbledore in the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them prequel movies.
HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ TV Show Sets Open Casting Call for Golden Trio
HBO first announced its plans to turn Harry Potter into a TV series in April 2023, though it was initially intended for streaming service Max.
HBO described the show as “a faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling.”
“The series will feature a new cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have loved for over twenty-five years,” a logline shared by the network said. “Each season will bring Harry Potter and these incredible adventures to new audiences around the world, while the original, classic and cherished films will remain at the core of the franchise and available to watch globally.”
“Max’s commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I’m looking forward to being part of this new adaptation which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series,” Rowling said in an April 2023 statement.
HBO announced in June 2024 that the show officially has a showrunner, Francesca Gardiner, and director, Mark Mylod, who previously worked together on Succession.
‘Harry Potter’ Stars: Where Are They Now?
In September 2024, the network announced an open casting call for the roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. According to the announcement, the network is looking for child actors located in the U.K. and Ireland between the ages of 9 and 11.
The Harry Potter series is expected to premiere on HBO in 2026.
