John Lithgow has officially confirmed his role as Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter series, set to premiere between late 2026 and early 2027. The announcement made during his attendance at the Sundance Film Festival caught the actor off guard. Lithgow shared with ScreenRant, "This was a complete surprise to me. I just got the phone call at the Sundance Film Festival where I was presenting another film. It was not easy to decide because I suppose it will determine the last chapter of my life. But I’m very excited. Wonderful people are turning their attention to Harry Potter again. That’s why it was such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old by the end of filming, but I said ‘yes’.”
At 79 years old, Lithgow brings significant experience to this iconic role, having previously cast Dumbledore's mantle after the late Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, who both portrayed the beloved character to great acclaim. Harris played Dumbledore in the first two films of the original movie series before his untimely passing at age 72. Gambon took over for the remainder of the series and died at 82 years old. Lithgow's casting signifies the first official announcement for the series, generating excitement among fans who eagerly await the new adaptation.
The series is being produced by HBO, and according to background reports, it aims to offer the most faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling's novels yet. Reports suggest filming is scheduled to commence in the summer of 2025 at the Warner Bros. Studios in the UK. The excitement surrounding the series has sparked discussions about casting for key characters such as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. Casting for these characters has not yet been finalized, but it remains clear the search is actively underway.
Prior to Lithgow's appointment, speculation included other prominent actors like Oscar-winner Mark Rylance, known for his roles in Bridge of Spies and Dunkirk, and Mark Strong, recognized for his appearances in the Kingsman franchise and the recent series Dune: Part Two. Notably, Harry Potter fans are intrigued about whether the series will continue to attract the previous generation of actors or lean toward new, younger talents.
While Lithgow expressed some hesitation about committing to this ambitious project, citing the immense workload associated with it, he conveyed his excitement about returning to the world of Harry Potter. He remarked, "It was difficult to say yes due to the enormity of other projects I’m involved in," highlighting the careful consideration behind his acceptance of the role.
With the cast and production team piecing together the new narrative, the character of Dumbledore will remain central to the story as it develops. While additional casting news remains scarce, rumors indicate potential actors for characters like Severus Snape and Minerva McGonagall—such as Paapa Essiedu, Sharron Horgan, and Rachel Weisz—strengthening fans' interest and expectations.
This adaptation of the Harry Potter series has already re-ignited enthusiasm for the franchise, allowing older generations to revisit the magical world they grew up loving, alongside introducing newer fans to the depths of Rowling's beloved saga. The anticipation for the series is palpable, with audiences eager to see how the show will adapt and present the rich storylines, themes, and character arcs of the original books.
Overall, as the world gears up for this ambitious reinterpretation of Harry Potter, John Lithgow's casting as Dumbledore is just one piece of the puzzle. Many eyes will remain on the project as more casting announcements are made and fans prepare for what promises to be an exciting revival of the iconic wizarding world.