On Wednesday, set photos were revealed of John Lithgow in his latest role as Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” series. While first looks of other cast members were also revealed, Lithgow stole the spotlight on social media.
The 79-year-old American actor, known for his roles in “Shrek,” “Conclave” and “Footloose,” accepted the role as Dumbledore earlier this year, as reported by the Deseret News.
He confirmed his role to Screen Rant in February, saying, “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. 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.”
Lithgow will be the third actor to portray the headmaster of Hogwarts, following Richard Harris and Micheal Gambon, who played the role in the original “Harry Potter” films. Harris portrayed Dumbledore in the first two films, but following his death in late 2002, Gambon took over the role for the remaining movies.
Notably, Lithgow will be the first American to take on the role, as previously reported by the Deseret News. So far, only two other Americans have joined him on set, Bel Powley (Petunia Dursley) and Daniel Rigby (Vernon Dursley).
The original films’ production enforced a strict British-only casting rule. Only one American actor was previously cast, and their role was small and non-speaking, according to Indiewire.
Fans react to Lithgow as Dumbledore
Reactions to Lithgow’s first-look photos have been mixed but lively. Some fans jokingly pegged his portrayal as “the great value version of Harry Potter.”
Others weren’t bothered by the casting but questioned why the great wizard was pictured at the beach, speculating the series might include a Dumbledore side quest.
Some also playfully referenced Lithgow’s previous roles and the contrast with his new character.
Overall, most fans responded positively, excited to see the first American actor step into the role of Dumbledore.
HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ series
HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” television series is set to be a decadelong adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s original seven-book series. Each season will correspond to one of the books, aiming to provide a more detailed and expansive retelling of Harry Potter in the wizarding world.
The cast includes Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley. Other cast members are Janet McTeer as Professor McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid and Warwick Davis reprising his role as Filius Flitwick.
J.K. Rowling will be an executive producer for the series, which is set to premiere in 2027, with new seasons expected to release annually until 2037.