John Lithgow will be stepping into the role of Dumbledore, though it wasn’t an easy choice for the seasoned actor.
HBO has officially unveiled the first six cast members for the new high-profile TV adaptation of the cherished Harry Potter series. This includes the stars who will revive the iconic Hogwarts characters, from Hagrid and Snape to Dumbledore and McGonagall.
The series, anticipated to span at least a decade, will draw from JK Rowling’s novels, dedicating one season to each book.
HBO has announced that Nick Frost will portray Hagrid, succeeding the late Robbie Coltrane, while Janet McTeer will step into the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall, following the footsteps of the late Maggie Smith.
Paul Whitehouse will play Hogwarts’ caretaker, Argus Filch, Luke Thallon will assume the role of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Quirinus Quirrell, and Paapa Essiedu will take on Professor Severus Snape.
John Lithgow is set to portray Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of the wizarding school, a role previously brought to life by the late Michael Gambon and Richard Harris.
Jude Law also portrayed a younger version of Dumbledore in the Fantastic Beasts films.
Lithgow announced his casting last month, describing it as somewhat unexpected for the 79-year-old actor.
In an interview with Screen Rant, the New Yorker expressed mixed feelings about the opportunity.
“Well, it came as a total surprise to me,” he said. “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.”
Despite his candid acknowledgment, Lithgow assured fans and readers eagerly awaiting the new series of his enthusiasm.
“Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter,” he continued. “That’s why it’s been such a hard decision.”
Lithgow added, “I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
The roles of the main trio from Hogwarts, Harry, Hermione, and Ron—originally played by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint—are yet to be announced.
The series was confirmed in 2023, promising a ‘faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer JK Rowling’.
The series is slated to premiere soon, with Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO, David Zaslav, indicating a release as early as 2026.
“We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard, and we can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life,” said Francesca Gardiner, showrunner and executive producer, along with Mark Mylod, director of multiple episodes and executive producer, as reported by The Independent.
Fans have expressed their excitement about the casting, describing it as a ‘solid line-up’ that brings a ‘whole new vibe’ to the upcoming generation of Harry Potter enthusiasts.