FX/Warner BrosAfter his casting as Dumbledore, John Lithgow has spoken out about one of the controversies with the new ensemble of HBO’s Harry Potter TV show.
The new Harry Potter series, developed by Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, will be a “faithful adaptation” of all seven of JK Rowling’s original books. It’s hoped to start filming later this year, with a release date in late 2026 or early 2027.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron (as well as any of the other students, like Draco and Neville) have yet to be cast, but Warner Bros has confirmed who’ll play six key roles in the show.
Among them is Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, earlier portrayed by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon. His casting breaks one of the franchise’s rules – and he wants to prove the naysayers wrong.
John Lithgow admits feeling “intimidated” about playing Dumbledore in HBO’s Harry Potter
FX/Warner BrosDuring an appearance on The One Show, Lithgow was asked how he felt about joining the project. “Very excited, very intimidated,” he said.
“I will be following the great Michael Gambon. I am not an Englishman, although I’ve played one on TV. I remind everyone that I did play Winston Churchill on The Crown and I did just fine.
“I know there were plenty of people appalled that an American should be hired to play the ultimate English wizard, but I will do my best.”
Lithgow is the first major exception to Harry Potter’s usual casting of British and Irish actors. This directive originally came from Rowling, who wanted the cast of the movies to be “100% British” (Rowling is still listed as an executive producer in the new series).
He joins Paapa Essiedu (Severus Snape), Janet McTeer (Professor McGonagall), Nick Frost (Rubeus Hagrid), Luke Thallon (Professor Quirrell), and Paul Whitehouse (Argus Filch).
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As unhappy as some traditionalists may be, Lithgow isn’t taking the responsibility lightly.
“It was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid… I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes,” he told ScreenRant.
In the meantime, find out how to stream the Harry Potter movies, read about the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child rumor, and find more TV shows dropping this month.