John Lithgow To Play Dumbledore in HBO's "Harry Potter" Series

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Veteran actor John Lithgow has confirmed that he will portray Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming "Harry Potter" television series.

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - According to a report from Variety on Tuesday, Lithgow had been a top contender for the role before officially securing it.

He now follows in the footsteps of Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, both of whom previously played the iconic Hogwarts headmaster in the "Harry Potter" film franchise.

Lithgow admitted that taking on the role was an unexpected surprise but said he is now fully prepared for it.

“I just got a call during the Sundance Film Festival for another movie, and it wasn’t an easy decision because this will define the final chapter of my life, which I found a bit daunting. But I’m very excited,” Lithgow shared in a recent interview with ScreenRant as quoted on Antara.

He acknowledged the significant time commitment required for the role. HBO's plan for the "Harry Potter" series involves adapting each of J.K. Rowling’s books into a full season, meaning the show is expected to run for at least seven seasons.

This would require at least seven years of Lithgow’s life, if not more, as Dumbledore plays a key role throughout the series. The actor is currently 79 years old.

“Some incredible people are turning their attention back to "Harry Potter". That’s what made this a tough decision. I’ll be around 87 by the time we wrap the final season, but I’ve said yes,” he stated as quoted on Antara.

In addition to Lithgow, the "Harry Potter" HBO series is rumored to feature actor Paapa Essiedu as the frontrunner to play Potions professor Severus Snape.

The central trio—Harry, Hermione, and Ron—will likely be portrayed by newcomers, as Warner Bros. has launched an open casting call for children aged 9 to 11, set for fall 2024.

HBO has described the "Harry Potter" series as a “faithful adaptation” that will introduce a brand-new cast, aiming to bring the beloved world of "Harry Potter" to a new generation of fans with rich details and iconic characters that have captivated audiences for over 25 years.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas