John Lithgow to Portray Dumbledore in HBO's Harry Potter Series

HBO is making significant strides with its highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, and there's exciting news on the casting front. John Lithgow has been confirmed as the new Professor Dumbledore, a role that will mark a defining moment in the latter part of his illustrious career.

In an interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow shared his surprise at being offered the part during the Sundance Film Festival. "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," he explained. Despite the weight of the decision, Lithgow expressed enthusiasm about joining the project, noting, "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."

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12 ImagesWhile this marks the first casting announcement for the new Harry Potter TV series, it's important to note that HBO and Warner Bros. have yet to officially confirm Lithgow's role.

HBO's ambitious plan is to bring all of J.K. Rowling's beloved books to life on the small screen, featuring a fresh cast to portray iconic characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and others from the Hogwarts universe. Rowling herself will be involved as an executive producer, working alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.

Despite Lithgow's verbal confirmation, the lack of a complete cast suggests that the series is still in the early stages of production.

John Lithgow, a seasoned actor with a rich history in both film and television, is perhaps best recognized for his role as Dick Solomon in the sitcom "3rd Rock from the Sun." He also earned critical acclaim and an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's "The Crown."