American actor John Lithgow (79 years old) announced that he will play the character of Albus Dumbledore in the new HBO series about Harry Potter. This was confirmed in an interview with ScreenRant: “I’m afraid he will define me for the last chapter of my life, but I am very excited.” From the platform they have not officially communicated any name for the project, despite the words of the newly winner of the best cast award in the film actors union awards.
The veteran actor talked about this iconic role, in which he will embody the director of Hogwarts in the next adaptation for the small screen of the successful books of JK Rowling. “Well, it was a total surprise for me. He had received a phone call at the Sundance Film Festival for another film, and it was not an easy decision, ”he said.
“I am very excited. Some wonderful people are focusing their attention on Harry Potter. It has been a difficult decision, I will have about 87 years at the farewell party, but I said yes, ”Lithgow added. The actor follows the steps of other colleagues who played Dumbledore in the films: Richard Harris and Michael Gambon (who died in 2023).
HBO, which has not confirmed the signing, has issued a brief statement in which it states that “he appreciates that such a high profile generates many rumors and speculation. We will only say the details when we finish the agreements. ” The project could be released at the end of 2026 or early 2027, and the platform has assured that the recording of the episodes will begin this summer in the United Kingdom.