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 its upcoming Harry Potter reboot. Variety reports that a deal is imminent, although HBO has declined to officially confirm the casting. This news follows November reports naming Mark Rylance as the frontrunner for the Dumbledore role.
“We appreciate that such a high-profile series will generate considerable speculation,” an HBO spokesperson stated. “As we progress through pre-production, we will only confirm details once agreements 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.
Consistent with the films, the series will prioritize British talent. This is perhaps unsurprising given J.K. Rowling’s reported involvement in the casting process.
Announced in April 2023, the Harry Potter series aims to be a faithful adaptation of the novels, promising a richer, more detailed narrative than the film adaptations allowed. Succession producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod (who also worked on Game of Thrones) are attached to direct and write.
