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John Lithgow as Dumbledore? HBO's 'Harry Potter' reboot just made a game-changing move

The veteran actor's casting signals a fresh direction for HBO’s Harry Potter series, with more surprises likely on the way.

John Lithgow

The award-winning actor officially joins HBO’s Harry Potter series, marking a new era for the beloved franchise

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Pooja Pillai
By Pooja PillaiFeb 27, 2025
Pooja Pillai
Pooja was born in Kochi and raised on a mix of newspapers, pop culture, and too many questions. She studied Communicative English and Journalism before earning her Master’s in Journalism from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, and began her career interning at The Times of India and Channel I'M — where she later became a news anchor, scripting and presenting her own stories. Between deadlines, she’s worked across digital media platforms, covering politics, gender, pop culture, cinema, and everything in between. She has interviewed actors, creators, and changemakers, and occasionally edits her own video content — thanks to being certified in Photoshop and InDesign. In 2025, she joined the Asian Media Group in her first “official” newsroom gig, where she now covers entertainment, lifestyle, and the layered realities of South Asian identity. She believes storytelling should feel personal — even when it’s public — and likes to write not to please, but to provoke, question, and occasionally stir the pot.
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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.

dumbledoreharry potterhbojk rowlingjohn lithgowpaapa essieduspeculationharry potter hbo series

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