Los Angeles, Feb 26 – British acting veteran John Lithgow has officially confirmed that he will take on the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore in the highly anticipated Harry Potter series. The 79-year-old actor, celebrated for his critically acclaimed performances across film, television, and stage, revealed the news in an interview with Screen Rant.
Reflecting on the decision, Lithgow shared that the offer came unexpectedly while he was attending the Sundance Film Festival. “It was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited,” he said. “Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
Dumbledore, a pivotal figure in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter universe, served as the wise and powerful Headmaster of Hogwarts, guiding Harry Potter and leading the fight against Lord Voldemort. The character was initially played by Richard Harris in the first two Harry Potter films before Michael Gambon took over following Harris’ passing. Jude Law later portrayed a younger version of Dumbledore in the Fantastic Beasts film series.
The upcoming Harry Potter series, which is set to begin filming later this year, promises a “more in-depth” adaptation of Rowling’s books compared to the original film franchise. While the three lead roles—Harry, Hermione, and Ron—will likely be played by newcomers, Warner Bros launched an open casting call for children aged 9 to 11 last year.
Francesca Gardiner will serve as the showrunner and executive producer, while acclaimed director Mark Mylod, known for Game of Thrones and Succession, is set to direct multiple episodes. Initially, Oscar-winning actor Mark Rylance was in discussions for the role of Dumbledore before Lithgow’s confirmation.
With Lithgow’s addition to the project, anticipation for the series continues to build as fans eagerly await a fresh take on the beloved Harry Potter story.
