John Lithgow has officially confirmed that he will portray Albus Dumbledore in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series. The show, an adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s books, aims to bring the beloved story to a new generation on the small screen. While rumours swirled last week about Lithgow’s involvement, the veteran actor has now put all speculation to rest.
In an interview, Lithgow revealed that accepting the role was a tough call due to the long-term commitment it demands. At 79, he acknowledged that this project will likely define the final chapter of his career. “It came as a complete surprise. I was at the Sundance Film Festival when I got the call. It wasn’t an easy decision—this is going to be a major part of my life for the next several years. But I’m thrilled to be part of something so special.”
John Lithgow confirms he will play Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter TV adaptationGetty Images
Lithgow is the first officially confirmed cast member for the series, which is still in the early stages of development. HBO has remained tight-lipped about other roles, though reports suggest Gangs of London star Paapa Essiedu is being considered for Severus Snape. Casting for Harry, Hermione, and Ron is still a mystery, but the production is reportedly looking for fresh faces.
One surprising element of Lithgow’s casting is his nationality. The original film series prioritised British actors, making his selection a significant shift in approach. However, Lithgow’s performance as Winston Churchill in The Crown showed us that he can master a British accent, easing concerns about his portrayal of the Hogwarts headmaster.
A new Dumbledore for a new era—John Lithgow takes on the role of Hogwarts’ legendary headmaster in HBO’s Harry Potter rebootGetty Images
With a career spanning decades, Lithgow has delivered unforgettable performances in Dexter, The Old Man, and Conclave. While Dumbledore is an iconic figure, Lithgow has the experience required to bring depth and nuance to the role.
The Harry Potter series is expected to start filming in mid-2025 at Warner Bros. Studios in the U.K., with a projected release in late 2026 or early 2027. As HBO builds anticipation, fans can expect more casting news in the coming weeks.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.