HBO is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with acclaimed actor John Lithgow, known for his role as Lord Farquaad in the Shrek series, to take on the iconic role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the much-anticipated Harry Potter reboot.
According to Variety, Lithgow is close to finalizing his portrayal of Dumbledore, though HBO has not officially confirmed this casting. This development comes as a surprise, given that Variety had previously reported in November that Mark Rylance was the top choice for the role of Dumbledore.
A spokesperson from HBO addressed the ongoing speculation, stating, "We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals."
John Lithgow's extensive career includes standout performances in films like The World According to Garp, Terms of Endearment, and Footloose, as well as television roles in Dexter and The Crown, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor.
John Lithgow. Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images.
Despite various reports suggesting HBO's progress, the casting details remain largely confidential. The network is also on the hunt for actors to play the central trio—Harry, Hermione, and Ron—and has reportedly found its Severus Snape in Paapa Essiedu.
The series aims to stay true to its British roots, a decision influenced by the involvement of the original author J.K. Rowling, who is "fairly involved" in the casting process. Announced in April 2023, the Harry Potter show promises to be a "faithful adaptation" of the novels, offering a more "in-depth" exploration of the story than what was possible in the feature films. The project will be helmed by Succession producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, with the latter also having contributed to Game of Thrones.
