Home News HBO Reportedly in Final Talks With John Lithgow to Play Dumbledore in Harry Potter Series

HBO Reportedly in Final Talks With John Lithgow to Play Dumbledore in Harry Potter Series

Author : Madison Update : Mar 15,2025

HBO is reportedly in final negotiations with John Lithgow, the acclaimed actor known for his role as Lord Farquaad in Shrek, to portray the iconic Hogwarts headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, in their upcoming Harry Potter reboot. Variety reports that Lithgow is nearing a deal to take on the starring role, although HBO has declined to officially confirm the casting. This news follows November reports naming Mark Rylance as a top contender for the Dumbledore part.

“We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation,” an HBO spokesperson stated. “As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”

Lithgow's extensive and celebrated career includes roles in films like The World According to Garp, Terms of Endearment, and Footloose, as well as television appearances in Dexter and The Crown.

John Lithgow. Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images.

While much of the casting remains undisclosed, despite various reports suggesting progress, HBO has reportedly found its Severus Snape in Paapa Essiedu. The studio is currently in the process of casting Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

The series will prioritize British talent, mirroring the films. This approach is perhaps unsurprising given J.K. Rowling's reported "fairly involved" participation in the casting process.

Announced in April 2023, the Harry Potter series promises a faithful adaptation of the novels, aiming for a more in-depth narrative than the film adaptations allowed. The series will be directed and written by Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, producers of Succession, with Mylod also having worked on Game of Thrones.