John Lithgow Confirmed He’s Playing Dumbledore in ‘Harry Potter’ Series

You’re a wizard, John Lithgow. In an interview with Screen Rant, the prolific actor confirmed that he will be playing Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s Harry Potter television series.

“It came as a total surprise to me,” said Lithgow. “I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid.”

At 79 years old, Lithgow will be the oldest actor to take on the role of Dumbledore. Irish actor Richard Harris was in his early 70s when he played Dumbledore in the first two films in the franchise, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002). Harris died in 2002 at 72-years old after a battle with Hodgkin’s disease, and was replaced by Irish-British actor Michael Gambon for the remaining six Harry Potter films. Gambon died of pneumonia years after the franchise wrapped, on September 27, 2023. He was 82 years old.

HBO has reportedly tapped British television writer Francesca Gardiner to serve as the series’ showrunner, writer, and executive producer. Despite Harry Potter scribe J.K. Rowling’s controversial status due to her obsession with making transphobic remarks, Gardiner will be working creatively with Rowling to adapt each one of her seven novels into a season of television, expanding upon content found in the books and original film franchise in the new series. If HBO releases one season of the Harry Potter television show a year after it’s expected 2026 debut, Lithgow would be contractually obligated to play the sage wizard until 2033.

Lithgow seems aware of this and said that signing on to play Dumbledore was far from easy. “That’s why it’s been such a hard decision,” he told Screen Rant. “I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.” He’s rumored to be joined by I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu, who Variety reports is the top choice to play potions instructor Severus Snape, as well as Bad Sister’s Sharon Horgan, Ted Lasso’s Brett Goldstein, and The Penguin’s Mark Strong.

Although he’ll be well into his octogenarian years when the series is over, the Conclave says that he’s “very excited” to play the iconic role. “Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter,” he said.

Vanity Fair has reached out to representatives for Lithgow and HBO.