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

HBO is ramping up its highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series and has made a significant casting announcement: John Lithgow is set to portray the iconic Professor Dumbledore. After a prolonged search for the right actor to fill the role, HBO seems to have found its Dumbledore in Lithgow. In an exclusive interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow shared his excitement and the gravity of his decision to take on the role, which he believes will mark the "last chapter" of his career.

"Well, it came as a total surprise to me. 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," Lithgow explained. He further added, "But I'm very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That's why it's been such a hard decision. I'll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I've said yes."

How to Watch Harry Potter in Chronological Order

12 ImagesFor fans eager to revisit the magical world before the new series, watching the Harry Potter movies in chronological order is a great way to immerse yourself in the story. Start with "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" and follow through to "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2."

While Lithgow's casting is a significant step, it remains unofficially confirmed by HBO and Warner Bros. This new Harry Potter TV show aims to re-adapt all of J.K. Rowling's beloved books, introducing a fresh cast to portray iconic characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the rest of the Hogwarts community. J.K. Rowling herself will serve as an executive producer, alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.

Despite Lithgow's verbal commitment, the absence of a complete cast suggests that the series is still a ways off from entering production. Known for his versatile roles in film and television, Lithgow has notably starred as Dick Solomon in the sitcom "3rd Rock from the Sun" and earned critical acclaim, including an Emmy, for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's "The Crown."