HBO is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with 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 this pivotal role, though HBO has yet to officially confirm the casting. This development comes as a surprise, especially after Variety reported in November that Mark Rylance was the top choice for Dumbledore.
"We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation," an HBO spokesperson commented. "As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals."
John Lithgow's extensive acting portfolio includes memorable performances in films like The World According to Garp, Terms of Endearment, and Footloose, as well as television hits such as Dexter and The Crown.
Despite various reports suggesting progress, the casting details for the Harry Potter reboot remain largely undisclosed. HBO is also on the hunt for actors to portray Harry, Hermione, and Ron, with Paapa Essiedu reportedly set to play Severus Snape. The series aims to maintain a focus on British talent, a decision that aligns with the involvement of original author J.K. Rowling in the casting process.
Announced in April 2023, the upcoming Harry Potter series promises to be a "faithful adaptation" of the beloved novels, aiming to delve deeper into the story than what was possible in the films. The project is being helmed by Succession producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, with the latter having previously worked on Game of Thrones.
