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

HBO is accelerating its ambitious project to bring the magical world of Harry Potter to television, and it appears they have secured a pivotal casting for the series. John Lithgow has been reported to take on the iconic role of Professor Dumbledore, a character that has been central to the Harry Potter saga.

In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow shared his unexpected journey to accepting the role, which he views 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," he remarked. Despite the weight of the decision, Lithgow expressed excitement about joining a project helmed by such talented individuals dedicated to revisiting 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."

While this marks the first casting announcement for HBO's Harry Potter TV series, it's important to note that neither HBO nor Warner Bros. have officially confirmed Lithgow's involvement yet. The series aims to adapt all of J.K. Rowling's beloved books into a fresh television format, introducing an entirely new cast to portray beloved characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the broader Hogwarts community. Rowling herself will serve as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.

The fact that the series still lacks a complete cast suggests that production may still be some time away. John Lithgow, a seasoned actor renowned for his roles in both film and television, is perhaps best 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 performance as Winston Churchill in the inaugural season of Netflix's "The Crown."

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