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

HBO is making significant strides with its upcoming Harry Potter TV series, and it appears they've secured a key casting: John Lithgow is set to portray the iconic Professor Dumbledore.

According to reports, HBO has been searching for their new Dumbledore for some time, and it seems their quest has concluded. 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 career.

"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," Lithgow shared.

He further expressed his excitement, noting, "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."

How to Watch Harry Potter in Chronological Order

12 ImagesWhile this is the first casting announcement for the new Harry Potter TV show, it's worth noting that HBO and Warner Bros. have yet to officially confirm Lithgow's involvement.

HBO's vision is to bring all of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books to life on the small screen with a fresh cast stepping into the roles of characters like Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the entire Hogwarts community. Rowling herself will serve as an executive producer, alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.

Despite Lithgow's verbal confirmation, the ongoing search for the full cast suggests that the series is still some time away from entering production.

John Lithgow, a seasoned actor with an impressive resume in both film and television, is perhaps best recognized for his role as Dick Solomon on the sitcom "3rd Rock from the Sun." His portrayal of Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's "The Crown" earned him critical acclaim and an Emmy Award.