John Lithgow has confirmed that he will portray Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series. In an interview with Screen Rant, the 79-year-old actor expressed his surprise at the casting offer, which he received while attending the Sundance Film Festival. Lithgow acknowledged that accepting the role would define the final chapter of his career, and joked about being 87 by the time the series concludes.
Fans have expressed concern over Lithgow’s casting, primarily because he is American, whereas the Harry Potter series has always maintained a distinctly British identity. This adherence to British casting was enforced by J.K. Rowling during the development of the original films. The casting news has sparked mixed reactions, with some fans disappointed while others are willing to give Lithgow a chance, citing his successful portrayal of Winston Churchill in The Crown. HBO has yet to officially confirm Lithgow’s casting.
