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

HBO is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with John Lithgow, the acclaimed actor known for his role as Lord Farquaad in Shrek, to portray the iconic Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the highly anticipated Harry Potter reboot series. According to Variety, Lithgow is on the verge of securing this pivotal role, although HBO has yet to officially confirm the casting news. This development comes as a surprise, especially after Variety previously mentioned in November that Mark Rylance was the top choice for the role of Dumbledore.

A spokesperson from HBO commented on the swirling rumors, stating, "We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals." This cautious approach keeps fans and media on their toes as they eagerly await official announcements.

John Lithgow's impressive career spans numerous acclaimed performances in films and television shows such as The World According to Garp, Terms of Endearment, Footloose, Dexter, and The Crown, among others. His potential casting as Dumbledore would undoubtedly bring a new dimension to the beloved character.

Despite various reports suggesting progress in casting, HBO has kept details tightly under wraps. The network is also in the process of casting the central trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, and has reportedly found its Severus Snape in Paapa Essiedu. The series aims to maintain its connection to British talent, a decision influenced by the involvement of the original author, J.K. Rowling, who is "fairly involved" in the casting process.

Announced in April 2023, the Harry Potter series promises to be a "faithful adaptation" of the novels, offering a more "in-depth" exploration of the story than what was possible in the two-hour films. The project is in capable hands with Succession producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, the latter of whom also contributed to Game of Thrones, steering the direction and writing.