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John Lithgow Addresses Criticism Over Casting as Dumbledore in HBO’s Harry Potter Reboot

Lithgow joins a diverse ensemble for the series, which has sparked debate over casting choices and J.K. Rowling's controversies ahead of summer production.

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Overview

  • John Lithgow has been officially cast as Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series, set to begin production in summer 2025.
  • Fans have expressed concerns over Lithgow’s American nationality, with some questioning his suitability for the quintessentially British role.
  • Lithgow defended his casting by highlighting his Emmy-winning portrayal of Winston Churchill in Netflix’s The Crown, promising to honor the legacy of past Dumbledore actors.
  • The reboot features a racially diverse adult cast, including Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Nick Frost as Hagrid, breaking the original films’ British-only casting tradition.
  • The series faces additional scrutiny due to ongoing backlash against J.K. Rowling over her controversial views, with cast members addressing criticism from fans.