John Lithgow himself confirmed he is set to play Dumbledore in the upcoming “Harry Potter” series at HBO.
In an interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow revealed he is indeed playing the headmaster of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy in the hotly anticipated TV remake of J.K. Rowling’s books. For him, it represented a career-defining choice.
“Well, it came as a total surprise to me,” he said. “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. 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.”
The series remake will likely be one of the biggest for HBO and because of that most have remained tight-lipped on what information gets out there. The only casting rumors that have escaped HBO’s cone of influence was “I May Destroy You” actor Paapa Essiedu being eyed for the role of Severus Snape, Hogwarts’ potions master that was played by the late Alan Rickman in the “Harry Potter” movies.
“We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation,” a spokesperson for HBO said in a statement back in December 2024. “As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
While casting remains a mystery for many roles, the show confirmed it is slated to begin in summer 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, where the eight Warner Bros. “Harry Potter” movies were filmed.
As the show moves further into production, many have remained vocal about Rowling’s involvement in the series, given her anti-trans views. HBO has said the author has a “right to express her personal views” and insisted that the show “will only benefit from her involvement.”
Representatives for HBO did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment on Lithgow’s admission.
