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 portray the iconic Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot series. According to Variety, Lithgow is on the verge of securing the pivotal role, although HBO has yet to officially confirm this casting decision. This development comes despite earlier reports in November by Variety, which had indicated that Mark Rylance was the frontrunner for the role of Dumbledore.

An HBO spokesperson commented on the speculation surrounding the high-profile 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 career includes memorable performances in films like "The World According to Garp," "Terms of Endearment," and "Footloose," as well as television roles in "Dexter" and "The Crown."

Despite various reports suggesting progress, the casting details for the Harry Potter reboot remain largely under wraps. HBO is also in the process of casting the roles 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 "fairly involved" in the casting process.

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 helmed by Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, both known for their work on "Succession," with Mylod also having contributed to "Game of Thrones."