John Lithgow Nears Deal to Portray Dumbledore in HBO's Harry Potter Series

HBO is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with acclaimed actor John Lithgow, known for his role as Lord Farquaad in "Shrek," to take on the iconic role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the much-anticipated Harry Potter reboot series.

According to Variety, Lithgow is on the verge of securing the role, although HBO has yet to officially confirm this casting. This development comes as a surprise following earlier reports from November by the same outlet, which had suggested that Mark Rylance was the frontrunner for the part of Dumbledore.

"We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation," an HBO spokesperson stated. "As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals."

John Lithgow's extensive career includes notable performances in films such as "The World According to Garp," "Terms of Endearment," and "Footloose," as well as television roles in "Dexter" and "The Crown," showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor.

John Lithgow. Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images.

Despite various leaks and reports, the casting process for the Harry Potter series remains largely under wraps. HBO is also in the process of casting the central trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, and has reportedly found its Severus Snape in actor Paapa Essiedu.

The series aims to maintain a focus on British talent, a decision influenced by the involvement of the original author, J.K. Rowling, who is said to be "fairly involved" in the casting decisions.

Announced in April 2023, the Harry Potter series is set to be a "faithful adaptation" of the beloved novels, offering a more "in-depth" exploration of the story than what was possible in the two-hour film format. The project will be directed and written by Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, both of whom have previously worked on the successful series "Succession," with Mylod also contributing to "Game of Thrones."