John Lithgow has stepped into the magical world of Hogwarts as the new Albus Dumbledore in the highly anticipated Harry Potter TV reboot, set to air in 2026. The casting of Lithgow, 79, has drawn mixed reactions from fans, particularly due to his American nationality, which has raised eyebrows among those who view Dumbledore as an iconic British character.
During an appearance on the April 16, 2025 episode of The One Show, Lithgow addressed the backlash, stating, "It's an enormous thrill. But 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, who is perhaps best known for his role as Winston Churchill in The Crown, expressed both excitement and intimidation at the prospect of following in the footsteps of the late actors Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, who previously portrayed the beloved headmaster.
"Very excited, very intimidated," Lithgow remarked, acknowledging the weight of the role. "I will be following the great Michael Gambon." He also humorously noted, "I am not an Englishman but I have played one on TV," reminding viewers of his portrayal of Churchill.
The casting news comes as HBO prepares to reboot J.K. Rowling's beloved series, nearly 30 years after the release of the first book and 15 years since the final film. So far, six characters have been confirmed for the series, and Lithgow’s casting marks a significant addition to the Hogwarts staff.
Joining Lithgow in the cast are several other notable actors. Paapa Essiedu, known for his role in I May Destroy You, will take on the iconic character of Severus Snape, a role made famous by Alan Rickman. Janet McTeer, recognized for her performances in Ozark and A Doll’s House, will portray Professor Minerva McGonagall, while Nick Frost, famed for his roles in Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, will step into the shoes of Rubeus Hagrid. Luke Thallon will play Quirinus Quirrell, and Paul Whitehouse has been cast as Argus Filch.
As excitement builds for the series, the search continues for the main trio of characters—Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. Reports indicate that approximately 32,000 children auditioned for the role of Harry, showcasing the immense interest in the franchise.
However, the series is not without controversy. J.K. Rowling, who has faced significant backlash for her comments regarding the trans community, remains a polarizing figure among fans. On the same day as Lithgow's interview, Rowling responded to a UK Supreme Court ruling that reinforced definitions of 'sex' and 'woman' in the Equality Act 2010, stating, "It took three extraordinary, tenacious Scottish women with an army behind them to get this case heard by the Supreme Court and, in winning, they’ve protected the rights of women and girls across the UK." This ruling has been criticized by many, including trans rights activists who argue it represents a significant step back for trans rights.
Sophie Molly, a Scottish trans rights campaigner, voiced her concerns, stating, "Trans rights are being stripped away under the pretence of defending women’s rights. Trans women are women. There should be no separate law for cis and trans women. To have such a thing take effect is extreme discrimination… We will overcome. We will never give in."
As the new series gears up for production at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in the summer of 2025, fans are left to ponder how the new cast will reinterpret these beloved characters. With a commitment to staying true to Rowling's original works while introducing the magic of Hogwarts to new audiences, the series promises to be both a nostalgic trip for longtime fans and a fresh experience for newcomers.
John Lithgow’s casting as Dumbledore, while met with skepticism from some, also brings a wealth of experience and talent to the role. His extensive background in theater and television, including winning an Olivier Award for his recent portrayal of Roald Dahl, positions him as a formidable choice for the iconic wizard. As he prepares to take on this defining role, Lithgow remains determined to prove his critics wrong, stating, "I will do my best."
As anticipation builds for the Harry Potter TV series, it remains to be seen how Lithgow and his fellow cast members will navigate the complexities of their characters while addressing the broader societal conversations surrounding the franchise. With a new generation set to experience the magic of Hogwarts, the reboot is poised to make its mark in the realm of television.
