John Lithgow set to play Dumbledore in new ‘Harry Potter’ series
Two-time Oscar nominee John Lithgow is reportedly close to finalising a deal to play the beloved Professor Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO Harry Potter television series, according to Deadline.
The much-anticipated series comes from writer/showrunner Francesca Gardiner (His Darkest Materials) and director/executive producer Mark Mylod (Succession). It is said to be a faithful adaptation of JK Rowling’s all-conquering book series. In fact, HBO CEO Casey Bloys has already claimed it will “dive deep into each of the iconic books.” The TV giant is looking for the series to run for a decade or more.
HBO has yet to comment officially on Lithgow’s involvement. However, anonymous sources close to Deadline insist the actor is firmly in the frame to play the character previously portrayed by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the popular movie series and Jude Law in the Fantastic Beasts prequels. Lithgow was most recently seen in FX’s The Old Man and the Academy Award-nominated Conclave, and he also worked with HBO on 2020’s Perry Mason.
Instead of directly addressing the Lithgow rumours, HBO released a statement saying, “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumour and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalise deals.”
Should Lithgow sign up for the role, he would be the first casting decision made for a project that has been the talk of the town for months. Actors such as Paapa Essiedu (Black Doves), Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe), Lesley Manville (Grotesquerie), and Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso) have already been rumoured to play characters like Professor Snape, Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, and Hogwarts’ gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid.
Additionally, there has been speculation linking Oppenheimer’s Cillian Murphy to the role of Lord Voldemort – a decision that Ralph Fiennes, who played the villain in the movies, has backed.
The series will shoot at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden, the same location where the movies were filmed, and it is slated to make its bow in late 2026 or early 2027.
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