John Lithgow arrives at the 31st annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Earlier this week, Lithgow was announced to take on the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” television series.

Two excellent actors played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movies, but they weren't quite perfect. John Lithgow can bring the character balance.

The Emmy-winning actor, hot off a SAG Award for "Conclave," said playing the Hogwarts headmaster would "define me for the last chapter of my life."

Lithgow's casting breaks tradition of British actors in Harry Potter, sparking debate. HBO's American casting decision opens more opportunities for diverse talent in series. Auditions for lead trio ongoing, with Paapa Essiedu as Snape and Cillian Murphy as Voldemort rumored.

John Lithgow will be stepping into the role of Albus Dumbledore for HBO’s highly anticipated "Harry Potter" TV series.

John Lithgow has confirmed that he will portray the Hogwarts headmaster in HBO’s upcoming “Harry Potter” series, which will begin filming this summer. Lithgow, 79, said in an interview with ScreenRant that the invitation to play the beloved character came “as a total surprise.”

John Lithgow is off to Hogwarts. The actor, 79, is set to play Professor Albus Dumbledore on HBO’s new “Harry Potter” series. After Pop Base posted the news to X, one user wrote: “He is perfect for the role!

John Lithgow confirmed in a new interview with ScreenRant that he will be playing Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s “Harry Potter” television series. Variety reported earlier this month that Lithgow was eyeing the role.