Report: ‘Harry Potter’ Series Close to Casting New Dumbledore
It’s been nearly 15 years since audiences last saw Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger on the big screen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011). Since then, the franchise has remained an integral part of pop culture.
Now, with HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter series in development, fans are eager for every casting update.
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John Lithgow in Talks to Play Dumbledore
One of the most pressing questions surrounding the new series has been: Who will take on the role of Albus Dumbledore?
According to Deadline, 3rd Rock from the Sun star John Lithgow is in final negotiations to portray the beloved Hogwarts headmaster.
A beloved actor is poised to play a beloved Harry Potter character. Six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow is in final negotiations to portray Professor Albus Dumbledore in HBO‘s high-profile series adaptation of the hugely popular fantasy books, sources tell Deadline.
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HBO, however, remains tight-lipped and declined to comment, stating: “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.”
A New Era for the Wizarding World
The upcoming HBO series promises to be a more faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s original books than the previous film saga. Warner Bros. has confirmed that the series will run for a decade, allowing for deeper storytelling and character development.
Casting is one of the most significant aspects of this endeavor, as every role—from the trio to Dumbledore—carries the weight of immense fan expectations.
Last year, an open casting call was issued for the central roles of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, marking a complete recasting of the franchise. While the young actors for these parts remain unknown, the potential addition of Lithgow as Dumbledore adds an intriguing twist to the mix.
Can an American Play Dumbledore?
Traditionally, the role of Dumbledore has been played by British actors. Richard Harris originally brought the wise and gentle headmaster to life in the first two films before his passing, after which Michael Gambon stepped into the role for the remainder of the series.
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Lithgow, an American, has demonstrated his ability to take on British roles before, most notably portraying Winston Churchill in Netflix’s The Crown, a performance that earned him an Emmy.
Though Lithgow’s potential casting has excited many, some fans remain divided on whether an American actor should step into the shoes of one of the most iconic British literary figures.
With the series set to debut in late 2026 or early 2027, more casting news is expected to trickle in over the coming months. As HBO finalizes contracts, speculation will only continue to grow.
Are you excited about John Lithgow potentially taking on the role of Dumbledore? Would you have preferred another actor? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
