HBO is accelerating its ambitious project to bring the magical world of Harry Potter to television, and it appears that the search for the iconic character of Professor Dumbledore may have concluded. According to a recent interview with ScreenRant, acclaimed actor John Lithgow has confirmed his acceptance of the role, marking a significant milestone in the casting process for the upcoming series.
In the interview, Lithgow shared his surprise and excitement about the unexpected offer, which he received during the Sundance Film Festival. "Well, it came as a total surprise to me. I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid," Lithgow remarked. He expressed his enthusiasm for joining the project, noting the involvement of "wonderful people" and his anticipation for the journey ahead, even humorously mentioning his age at the wrap party, "I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes."
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While Lithgow's casting as Dumbledore is a notable development, it's important to note that neither HBO nor Warner Bros. have officially confirmed his involvement yet. This makes Lithgow's statement the first casting news for the highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series.
HBO's vision for the show is to bring all of J.K. Rowling's beloved books to the small screen, featuring a completely new cast to portray iconic characters such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and the entire Hogwarts community. J.K. Rowling herself will serve as an executive producer, alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts, ensuring a faithful adaptation of her magical universe.
Despite the excitement around Lithgow's announcement, the absence of a full cast suggests that the series is still in the early stages of development and production. This patience reflects HBO's commitment to assembling the perfect ensemble to bring the wizarding world to life once again.
John Lithgow, known for his versatile performances, has earned critical acclaim throughout his career. He is perhaps best recognized for his role as Dick Solomon in the sitcom "3rd Rock from the Sun." However, his portrayal of Winston Churchill in the first season of Netflix's "The Crown" earned him an Emmy, showcasing his ability to embody complex and iconic figures.
