HBO is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with John Lithgow, known for his role as Lord Farquaad in Shrek, to portray the iconic Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot series. According to Variety, Lithgow is on the verge of securing this pivotal role, although HBO has not yet confirmed the casting. This development comes after Variety previously reported in November that Mark Rylance was the top choice for Dumbledore.
A spokesperson from HBO commented on the swirling rumors, stating, "We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals."
John Lithgow's extensive acting career includes notable performances in The World According to Garp, Terms of Endearment, Footloose, Dexter, and The Crown, among others.
John Lithgow. Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images.
Despite various reports suggesting progress, HBO has kept casting details tightly under wraps. The network is also in the process of casting for the roles of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, with Paapa Essiedu reportedly set to play Severus Snape. The series aims to prioritize British talent, aligning with the involvement of the original author, J.K. Rowling, who is "fairly involved" in the casting process.
Announced in April 2023, the Harry Potter series promises to be a "faithful adaptation" of the beloved novels, offering a more "in-depth" exploration of the story than the films could provide. The project will be helmed by Succession producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, with the latter also having contributed to Game of Thrones.
