John Lithgow Reveals He'll Play Dumbledore in HBO's Harry Potter TV Series

Author : Christopher Mar 31,2025

HBO is making significant strides with its new Harry Potter TV series, and it appears they've secured a key casting: John Lithgow is set to take on the role of Professor Dumbledore.

According to reports, HBO has been searching for the perfect Dumbledore for quite some time, and it seems they've found their man. In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow confirmed his acceptance of the role, describing it as a defining moment for the "last chapter" of his life.

"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 excitement about the project, noting that "some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter," which made the decision challenging. He humorously added, "I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes."

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12 ImagesThis casting news marks the first confirmation for the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, though it's worth noting that HBO and Warner Bros. have yet to officially confirm Lithgow's involvement.

HBO's ambitious plan is to adapt all of J.K. Rowling's books into a television format, featuring an entirely new cast to bring beloved characters like Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the rest of the Hogwarts community to life. J.K. Rowling herself will serve as an executive producer, alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.

Despite Lithgow's verbal confirmation, the absence of a complete cast suggests that the series is still some time away from entering full production.

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