‘Harry Potter’ TV Series Considers John Lithgow for Iconic Role of Dumbledore

According to reports, John Lithgow is a leading candidate to play Dumbledore in the new ‘Harry Potter’ TV series, and HBO is apparently narrowing down its selection.

According to a rumour from Deadline Hollywood, the Emmy-winning actor is being considered to play the scholar and adored Hogwarts headmaster, even though the network has not formally confirmed his hiring. Following roles played by Jude Law and Toby Regbo in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ prequels, Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in the original movie, Lithgow would be the first actor who is not British to play Dumbledore if he accepts the part.

Following earlier rumours that Mark Rylance was a front-runner, Lithgow—who has starred in ‘Dexter’, ‘The Crown’, ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’, and ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’—is the most recent name to be associated with the role.

Image Courtesy: TechRadar

Warner Bros. plans to create a comprehensive retelling of J.K. Rowling’s books for the ten-year series, which is anticipated to debut in 2027. Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, where the original movies were shot, will host the start of production this summer.

Although there have been no formal casting announcements, fans have also conjectured Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape and Cillian Murphy as Voldemort. In the meantime, more than 32,000 young actors have tried out for the important parts of Harry, Ron, and Hermione in an attempt to emulate Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Daniel Radcliffe.

–Farheen Ali