HBO Nears Deal With John Lithgow as Dumbledore in Harry Potter Series

HBO is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with John Lithgow, known for his role as Lord Farquaad in "Shrek," to portray Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot series. According to Variety, Lithgow is on the verge of securing the role, although HBO has not officially confirmed this news. This development comes despite earlier reports in November from Variety, which suggested that Mark Rylance was the top choice for the role of Dumbledore.

An HBO spokesperson commented on the buzz surrounding the series, 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 roles in films such as "The World According to Garp," "Terms of Endearment," "Footloose," and television series like "Dexter" and "The Crown."

Despite various reports suggesting progress in casting, HBO has kept details under wraps. The network is also on the hunt for actors to play Harry, Hermione, and Ron, and has reportedly found its Severus Snape in Paapa Essiedu. The series aims to focus on British talent, a decision that aligns with the involvement of the original author, J.K. Rowling, who is described as "fairly involved" in the casting process.

Announced in April 2023, the Harry Potter reboot promises to be a "faithful adaptation" of the beloved novels, aiming to explore the story in greater depth than what was possible in the two-hour film format. The series will be helmed by Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, producers of "Succession," with Mylod also having worked on "Game of Thrones."