Last year in November we reported for the first time about a possible candidate for the role of Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter series. After neither the Warner Bros. Television nor HBO wanted to confirm one of the names from the rumor mill, the finalist is now officially reporting.
Officially confirmed the first casting for the Harry Potter series
John Lithgow plays Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series. In mid-February, his name first appeared in connection with the elaborate fantasy reboot, which is supposed to film the seven books of the underlying book template with a season. Lithgow confirmed his casting to Screen Rant.
[Das Dumbledore-Casting] Came completely surprisingly for me. The decision was not an easy one because it will shape me for the last chapter of my life, I fear. But I’m very excited … That’s why the decision was so difficult for me. I will be about 87 years old at the final party, But I said yes.
Here you can see the video interview with Lithgow:
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This revelation comes unexpectedly. Studios and broadcasters usually announce such large casting decisions themselves. That Lithgow simply reveals his dumbledore engagement in an interview-nobody probably expected that. But now the cat is out of the sack. The new dumbledore has been determined.
Lithgow recently delighted as part of the ensemble of the Vatican thriller and can show over 100 credits in his filmography, from Garp and how he saw the world about the time of tenderness up to The Crown and The Old Man. In Dexter, he also delighted as a trinity killer, both in the original series and the revival.
John Lithgow was not the first choice for Albus Dumbledore
In the first casting reports, Mark Rylance appeared as a big favorite for the part of the Hogwarts school director. According to insider sources, Rylance rejected the offer because the death of his wife, Claire van Kampen, was too busy. After that, Mark Strong was trading another British acting size for the role.
Now the Harry Potter series comes with John Lithgow as an Albus Dumbledore. When the 1st season of the series blockbuster celebrates its premiere is not yet known. Based on the current state of production, we should expect the start at HBO at the end of 2026, if not only in 2027.