John Lithgow Nears Deal to Portray Dumbledore in HBO's Harry Potter Series

HBO is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with John Lithgow, known for his role as Lord Farquaad in Shrek, to portray the iconic Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot series. According to Variety, Lithgow is nearing a deal to take on this starring role, although HBO has yet to officially confirm the casting. This news comes as a surprise following Variety's earlier report in November that Mark Rylance was the top choice for the role of Dumbledore.

An HBO spokesperson commented on the swirling rumors, stating, "We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals."

John Lithgow, a versatile actor with a rich portfolio, has starred in films such as The World According to Garp, Terms of Endearment, and Footloose, as well as acclaimed TV series like Dexter and The Crown.

Despite the buzz, casting details remain tightly under wraps. HBO is also on the hunt for actors to fill the roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, and has reportedly found its Severus Snape in Paapa Essiedu. The series aims to maintain a focus on British talent, a decision that aligns with the involvement of the original author, J.K. Rowling, who is described as "fairly involved" in the casting process.

Announced in April 2023, the Harry Potter show promises to be a "faithful adaptation" of the beloved novels, offering a more in-depth exploration of the story than the films allowed. The series will be directed and written by Succession producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, with the latter also having contributed to Game of Thrones.