Acclaimed actor John Lithgow is rumored to be in the final stages of negotiations to take on the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter television series, according to industry reports from Variety and Deadline.
Lithgow, a veteran performer with a career spanning decades, is widely recognized for his work in both film and television. He gained fame for his comedic role as Dick Solomon in 3rd Rock from the Sun and later impressed audiences with dramatic performances, such as his portrayal of Winston Churchill in The Crown. His diverse career also includes voicing Lord Farquaad in Shrek and earning multiple Emmy and Oscar nominations.
If officially cast, Lithgow will follow in the footsteps of Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, who previously portrayed Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films. Harris originated the role in the first two movies before his passing, after which Gambon took over for the remainder of the series.
The upcoming HBO Max series promises to be a "faithful adaptation" of J.K. Rowling's beloved books and is expected to span a decade. A fresh cast will bring the story to life, with open casting calls already held for the roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Filming is anticipated to begin this summer.
While no official casting announcements have been made, HBO Max acknowledged the ongoing speculation. "As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals," the streaming service stated in response to the Lithgow reports.
At 79, Lithgow is one of Hollywood's most respected actors, seamlessly transitioning between comedy and drama. He received Academy Award nominations in the 1980s for The World According to Garp and Terms of Endearment and has won multiple Emmy Awards, including three for 3rd Rock from the Sun and another for The Crown. His ability to master a British accent, as seen in his Churchill performance, suggests he could bring both the wisdom and warmth required for Dumbledore.
Recently, Lithgow has appeared in The Old Man and Conclave, the latter of which is generating awards season buzz. Should the Harry Potter series run for the planned ten years, he would be approaching 90 by its conclusion, making his potential involvement a significant long-term commitment.
Fans of the franchise eagerly await official casting news, as anticipation builds for a fresh take on the magical world of Hogwarts.
