HBO is accelerating its ambitious project to bring a new Harry Potter TV series to life, and it seems they've found their Professor Dumbledore in the acclaimed actor John Lithgow. In a surprising turn of events, Lithgow has confirmed his acceptance of the role in an interview with ScreenRant, describing it as a defining moment for the "last chapter" of his career.
"Well, it came as a total surprise to me. 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," Lithgow shared. He expressed his excitement about joining the project, emphasizing the involvement of "wonderful people" returning their focus to the Harry Potter universe. "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," he added.
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Although Lithgow's casting marks the first reported confirmation for the upcoming series, it is not yet officially confirmed by HBO and Warner Bros. The project aims to re-adapt all of J.K. Rowling's books into a television format, featuring a fresh cast to portray beloved characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and others from the Hogwarts universe. J.K. Rowling herself will serve as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.
Despite Lithgow's verbal commitment, the series' production is still some time away, as the full cast has yet to be announced. Lithgow, known for his versatile acting, has earned critical acclaim and an Emmy for his role as Winston Churchill in Netflix's The Crown, in addition to his well-known portrayal of Dick Solomon in the sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun.
