AN Emmy-winning actor has CONFIRMED he will play Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series.
The upcoming TV series will once again be adapting J.K. 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.”
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.
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.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) Official Trailer” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”pV1KxHf2t” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366743227112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]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.
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D107934%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]However, HBO pointed out that no firm offers had been made yet.
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 finalize 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.”
