John Lithgow has officially confirmed that he will portray Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series.
The 79-year-old actor addressed the speculation in an interview with Screen Rant, revealing that the offer came as a complete surprise.
“I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision,” Lithgow shared. “It’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid. But I’m very excited.”
Joking about the long-term commitment, he added, “I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
While Lithgow is widely respected for his talent, some fans have expressed concern over one key detail he’s American, not British.
The Harry Potter universe has long been celebrated for its distinctly British identity.
From the iconic setting of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to a cast filled with esteemed British actors, the franchise has always emphasized authenticity.
This was no coincidence—J.K. Rowling famously insisted that the original film series maintain an all-British cast, The Telegraph reports.
Even Hollywood legends like Steven Spielberg and Robin Williams were reportedly turned away due to this strict rule.
News of John Lithgow’s casting has sparked a wave of backlash among fans, with many questioning the decision.
One person vented, “How hard is it to find a British older actor? Is that too much to ask?”
Another added, “But he’s American… and very, very old.”
Sharing their disappointment, a third fan remarked, “Really? That doesn’t get me hyped.”
Meanwhile, someone else fumed, “This has to be the absolute worst casting I could imagine for Dumbledore.”
For many fans, the issue isn’t just about nationality—it’s about preserving a legacy.
Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, who both portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the original films, weren’t just talented actors; they embodied the series’ distinctly British charm. Their performances helped shape Dumbledore into a wise, enigmatic figure deeply woven into Hogwarts’ magical history.
John Lithgow, known for voicing Lord Farquaad in Shrek, appearing in Daddy’s Home 2, and playing a chilling role in Dexter, is now stepping into the iconic role. However, news of his casting has left many fans disappointed, feeling it strays too far from the franchise’s roots.
That said, not everyone is against the decision. Some are willing to give Lithgow a chance, with one fan praising, “He is perfect for the part. It would be a great casting move.”
After all, Lithgow has successfully tackled British roles before—most notably as Winston Churchill in The Crown, a performance that earned him both an Emmy and a BAFTA nomination.
Given the high expectations surrounding the role, Lithgow’s acting chops and ability to master a British accent will likely face intense scrutiny from Harry Potter purists.
Another major concern is whether he can commit to the role long-term.
The upcoming Harry Potter series is expected to span a decade, meaning that at 79 years old, Lithgow would be approaching 90 by the time the show concludes—a factor that has raised doubts among fans.
Despite the backlash, HBO has yet to officially confirm his casting, stating that they will only announce details once all deals are finalized.
