HBO Might Have Found Their Dumbledore

HBO is currently working hard to put everything together for the upcoming television adaptation of Harry Potter, which will bring JK Rowling’s beloved books to life in a brand new way. The focus is currently on casting the actors who will play all of the iconic roles in Harry Potter, which fans have a keen eye on. While auditions have taken place for the lead roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, a new report has revealed that HBO might have found the man who will play Professor Albus Dumbledore.

Dumbledore is one of the most important characters in Harry Potter. He’s the leader of the Order of the Phoenix and one of the most powerful wizards in the magical world. He helps guide many of the younger characters, such as Harry. His knowledge proves crucial in the battle against Lord Voldemort, making this casting crucial.

According to Deadline, six-time Emmy winner John Lithgow is currently in final negotiations to play the Hogwarts headmaster in the upcoming Harry Potter series, but HBO declined to comment on the report. Lithgow famously played Sir Winston Churchill in The Crown, while he’s also starred in the likes of How I Met Your Mother, Dexter, Shrek, and Interstellar among others. The character was originally portrayed by Richard Harris in the first two Harry Potter movies and then by Michael Gambon afterward. Jude Law then portrayed a younger version of Dumbledore during the Fantastic Beasts prequel movies.

So far, no official names have been cast in the Harry Potter television series, but there has been no shortage of rumors. While 32,000 children sent audition tapes for the three lead roles, some well-known names are rumored to be taking on some of the adult roles. Sharon Horgan and Lesley Manville have been rumored for the role of Minerva McGonagall, while Papa Essiedu has been attached to the role of Professor Severus Snape. Cillian Murphy’s name has also been getting attached to the HBO series, with many fans pushing for him to play Lord Voldemort, which Ralph Fiennes has publicly backed.

The HBO series is set to take one novel per season, dedicating plenty of time to each of Rowling’s stories. Many fans expect this will open up the chance for more of the novels to be brought to life, with certain storylines or characters that were left on the cutting room floor of the movies potentially being able to be showcased in the television series in a bid to ensure that they’re different while also adding lots of detail.

The rumor mill regarding the upcoming Harry Potter series is something that’s only going to continue growing until HBO officially announces actors. Lithgow is someone who audiences can easily see playing Dumbledore as his previous roles have showcased the right balance between warmth and sternness, which is key to Dumbledore. Harry Potter is slated to debut on HBO in late 2026 or early 2027, with filming set to take place on the Warner Bros Studios Leavesden, where the movies were originally shot.

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Harry Potter

Created by

J.K. Rowling

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First Film

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Latest Film

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two

Cast

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Alan Rickman, Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane

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