Overview

• John Lithgow has been confirmed as Albus Dumbledore in HBO's decade-long Harry Potter series, breaking the franchise's British-only casting tradition.
• In a recent interview, Lithgow acknowledged fan criticism over his nationality, pledging to honor the role and referencing his past success portraying British figures like Winston Churchill.
• The 79-year-old actor admitted the decision to take on the role was challenging, noting the series will define the final chapter of his career as it spans a decade.
• HBO has also announced other major cast members, including Paapa Essiedu as Snape, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Hagrid, though the roles of Harry, Ron, and Hermione remain uncast.
• Filming is set to begin in summer 2025 at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden, with a premiere anticipated in late 2026 or early 2027, aiming for a more faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling's books.