Fans Divided Over HBO’s Bold Choice for the Iconic Wizarding Role
February 13, 2025: The Harry Potter universe is set to return to screens with an all-new HBO series, and with it comes a swirl of casting rumours. The latest buzz? Six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow is allegedly in final talks to portray Albus Dumbledore. While the news has yet to be confirmed by HBO, sources claim the veteran American actor is in serious contention for the role of Hogwarts’ revered headmaster.
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HBO has responded to the speculation with a cautious statement, saying, “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we move through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”
Fans React: A Bold Move or a Controversial Choice?
The prospect of an American actor stepping into a role previously played by Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, and Jude Law has left fans with mixed emotions.
Some have embraced the idea, pointing to Lithgow’s stellar work as Winston Churchill in The Crown, which even earned him an Emmy. Others argue that casting an American as one of the most quintessentially British characters in literature is a risky move.
One skeptical fan wrote, “Like, how hard is it to find a British older actor? Is that too much to ask?” while another quipped, “Trinity Killer as Dumbledore is wild,” referencing Lithgow’s chilling role in Dexter.
John Lithgow is in final talks to star as Dumbledore in the ‘HARRY POTTER’ TV series
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 12, 2025
(Source: Deadline) pic.twitter.com/s1x10j9TC4
Others expressed concerns over Lithgow’s age (79), fearing he may not be able to sustain the role for the full series. A worried fan wrote, “One slight fear. John Lithgow is 79. This is a show that could go on for 10+ years. Please don’t cast someone who will need to be replaced.”
One slight fear. John lithgow is 79. This is a show that could be going on for 10+ years
— Luke Flux (@LukeFlux1) February 12, 2025
A Highly Anticipated Casting Process
The Harry Potter reboot, set to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027, is already one of the most anticipated TV projects of the decade. The rumored cast list includes:
- Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape
- Sharon Horgan / Lesley Manville as Minerva McGonagall
- Brett Goldstein as Rubeus Hagrid
- Cillian Murphy as Lord Voldemort (even endorsed by Ralph Fiennes, who originally played the Dark Lord)
While Harry Potter fans eagerly await an official announcement, one thing is certain—whoever lands the role of Dumbledore will have some big wizarding robes to fill.
Tags: Harry Potter Series, John Lithgow, Dumbledore Casting, HBO Max, Wizarding World, Fantastic Beasts, Harry Potter Reboot, Michael Gambon, Richard Harris, Warner Bros