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

By HarperFeb 25,2025

HBO is reportedly in advanced negotiations with acclaimed actor John Lithgow, known for his role as Lord Farquaad in Shrek, to portray the iconic Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in their upcoming Harry Potter series reboot.

While Variety suggests Lithgow is nearing a deal to secure the coveted role, HBO remains tight-lipped, refusing to officially confirm the casting. This contradicts earlier November reports from Variety naming Mark Rylance as the frontrunner for the Dumbledore part.

An HBO spokesperson stated, "We understand the considerable speculation surrounding this high-profile project. During pre-production, we'll only confirm casting details once contracts are finalized."

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.
Despite numerous reports indicating progress, the full cast remains undisclosed. HBO is actively seeking actors for the roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, while Paapa Essiedu has reportedly been cast as Severus Snape.

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

Announced in April 2023, the Harry Potter adaptation promises a faithful rendering of the books, aiming for a more nuanced and in-depth narrative than the film series allowed. Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, known for their work on Succession and Game of Thrones respectively, are attached as directors and writers.

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