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

HBO is ramping up its efforts with the highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, and it looks like they've found their new Professor Dumbledore in the form of John Lithgow. According to reports, HBO has been diligently searching for someone to fill the iconic role, and it seems their search has come to an end. In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow confirmed his acceptance of the role, describing it as a defining moment in 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 added, "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 ImagesThis marks the first casting announcement for the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, though it's worth noting that HBO and Warner Bros. have yet to officially confirm Lithgow's casting.

HBO's ambitious project involves re-adapting all of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books for television, introducing a fresh cast to portray beloved characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the rest of the Hogwarts community. J.K. Rowling will take on the role of executive producer, joined by Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.

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

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