‘Harry Potter’ TV series reportedly eyeing John Lithgow as Dumbledore

HBO is reportedly close to finding its Dumbledore for the upcoming TV adaptation of the Harry Potter franchise.

According to a Deadline Hollywood report, American actor John Lithgow is being eyed for the role of Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts and a mentor figure to the titular Harry Potter.

HBO has yet to confirm Lithgow’s casting, and has denied Deadline‘s request for comment.

John Lithgow. Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Should John Lithgow land the role, he will be the first non-British actor to portray the iconic wizard following stints from Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the mainline film franchise and Jude Law and Toby Regbo in the Fantastic Beasts prequel franchise.

John Lithgow is best known for his roles in Dexter, The Crown, Conclave, Killers of the Flower Moon, 3rd Rock From The Sun and more, and has won six Emmy awards throughout his career.

Lithgow’s alleged attachment to the role comes after it was reported in November that Mark Rylance was a favourite to play Dumbledore. So far, no cast members – including the titular character – have been announced.

More news regarding the adult cast is expected to arrive reasonably soon, before shooting begins at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden – where the original movies were also filmed – over the summer.

Fans have discussed the possibility of Cillian Murphy playing Voldemort, with Ralph Fiennes backing the Oppenheimer star for the role, too, while it’s been reported that Paapa Essiedu is in talks to play Severus Snape.

Back in December, it was revealed that the series – which is expected to run for a decade – has been pushed back until 2027. Warner Bros. Discovery global streaming chief JB Perrette said of the decision: “As you look at ’26 and into ’27, you begin a 10-year journey on the Harry Potter series, which we’re super excited about. And I’d argue, may be the biggest event by the time we get to that series.”

Some 32,000 children have auditioned for the core cast of characters, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.

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