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

HBO is making significant strides with its eagerly awaited Harry Potter TV series, and the first casting news has emerged: John Lithgow is set to portray the iconic Professor Dumbledore.

Rumors have circulated for some time about HBO's search for a new Dumbledore, and it seems that search has concluded. In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow confirmed his acceptance of the role, which he described as defining the "last chapter" of his life.

"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."

He further elaborated, "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."

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12 ImagesThis marks the initial casting announcement for the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, though it remains unofficial as HBO and Warner Bros. have yet to confirm Lithgow's involvement.

HBO's ambitious plan involves re-adapting all of J.K. Rowling's books into a television format, featuring a fresh cast to bring beloved characters like Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the Hogwarts community to life once more. J.K. Rowling will serve as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.

Despite Lithgow's verbal commitment, the ongoing casting process indicates that the series is still some time away from entering full production.

Lithgow, a seasoned actor known for his versatile roles in both film and television, gained widespread recognition for portraying Dick Solomon in the sitcom "3rd Rock from the Sun." He also received critical acclaim and an Emmy for his performance as Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's "The Crown."