John Lithgow Confirmed He’s Playing Dumbledore in ‘Harry Potter’ Series

You’re a wizard, John Lithgow. In an interview with Screen Rant, the prolific actor confirmed that he will be playing Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s Harry Potter television series.

“It came as a total surprise to me,” said Lithgow. “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.”

At 79 years aged, Lithgow will be the oldest actor to take on the role of Dumbledore. Irish actor Richard Harris was in his early 70s when he played Dumbledore in the first two films in the franchise, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002). Harris died in 2002 at 72 years aged after a battle with Hodgkin’s disease, and was replaced by Irish British actor Michael Gambon for the remaining six Harry Potter films. Gambon died due to complications from pneumonia years after the franchise wrapped, on September 27, 2023. He was 82 years aged.

HBO has reportedly tapped British television writer Francesca Gardiner to serve as the series’ showrunner, writer, and executive producer. Despite Harry Potter scribe J.K. Rowling’s controversial status due to her numerous transphobic remarks, Gardiner will be working creatively with Rowling to adapt her seven novels into television, expanding upon content found in the books and original film franchise. While initial reports said that each book would be adapted into a season of the series, HBO chairman and CEO Casey Bloys has said that he envisions the project running “for 10 consecutive years.” In that case, Lithgow could be contractually obligated to play the sage wizard until the mid 2030s, and would be pushing 90 when it is all said and done.

Lithgow seems aware of this and said that signing on to play Dumbledore was far from effortless. “That’s why it’s been such a hard decision,” he told Screen Rant. “I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party. But I’ve said yes.” He’s rumored to be joined by I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu, who is reportedly being eyed for the role of potions instructor Severus Snape, as well as Bad Sister’s Sharon Horgan, Ted Lasso’s Brett Goldstein, and The Penguin’s Mark Strong.

Although he’ll be well into his octogenarian years when the series is over, the Conclave actor says that he’s “very excited” to play the iconic role. “Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter,” he said.

Vanity Fair has reached out to representatives for Lithgow and HBO.