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

HBO is accelerating its plans for the highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, and it seems they have secured their first major casting: John Lithgow as the iconic Professor Dumbledore.

According to reports, HBO has been searching for the perfect Dumbledore for quite some time. 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."

He further expressed his excitement, saying, "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 casting news marks the first official announcement for the upcoming Harry Potter TV show, although HBO and Warner Bros. have yet to confirm Lithgow's involvement.

HBO aims to adapt all of J.K. Rowling’s books for television, bringing back beloved characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and others from the Hogwarts universe. J.K. Rowling will serve as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.

Despite Lithgow's verbal confirmation, the series still lacks a complete cast, indicating that production may be some time away.

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 won an Emmy for his role as Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's The Crown.