John Lithgow’s casting as Dumbledore breaks Harry Potter’s golden rule

Legendary actor John Lithgow will play Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, a major departure from a big JK Rowling rule.

The upcoming TV series will once again be adapting JK Rowling’s books.

One key role has now been filled – with John Lithgow confirming reports that he is set to play Professor Dumbledore in the show.

He told ScreenRant: “Well, it came as a total surprise to me.

“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.

“But I’m very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter.

“That’s why it’s been such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”

Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore in a scene from 2009 film 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'

HBO previously reported Lithgow was in final talks to play Albus Dumbledore for the upcoming adaptation.

The character has previously been portrayed by the late Richard Harris and Michael Gambon.

The casting has come as a surprise to many Harry Potter fans, who have been quick to point out one well-known rule established by author JK Rowling – that the cast consists of only British actors.

The rule came about after casting director Janet Hirshenson previously disclosed that the late Robin Williams had been turned down the role of Rubeus Hagrid due to his American nationality.

Actor Robin Williams was almost Hagrid.

The role of Hagrid was played by Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane.

Lithgow, 79, is well-known for television roles including 3rd Rock From The Sun (as Dick Solomon) and Dexter (as The Trinity Killer).

He received Oscar nominations for his performances in The World According to Garp and Terms of Endearment.

Some of his other notable films include Interstellar, Footloose, Shrek and Conclave.

John Lithgow won a Screen Actors Guild award as part of the cast of Conclave. Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images/AFP

Between 2016 and 2019, Lithgow portrayed Winston Churchill on The Crown to great acclaim.

Previously, it was revealed Emmy-nominee Paapa Essiedu was being lined up for another major role in the series.

Rumours swirled that the 34-year-old was in the running for Professor Severus Snape.

However, HBO pointed out that no firm offers had been made yet.

The late Alan Rickman will … always … be Severus Snape.

Paapa Essiedu has been speculated about being in the role. Picture: Mike Coppola/Getty Images/AFP

A spokesperson said: “We appreciate that such a high-profile series will draw a lot of rumour and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalise deals.”

The late Alan Rickman starred as Snape in all eight of the Harry Potter movies.

Taking to X, actor Jordan Walker Ross commented on Essiedu’s potential casting. He wrote: “He’s a fantastic actor. While I don’t envy him having to follow the great Alan Rickman, I can’t wait to see what Paapa does with the role.”

Originally published as John Lithgow’s casting as Dumbledore breaks Harry Potter’s golden rule