Accio, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore!
The Emmy-winning actor, known for his six wins, looked very different while filming the new HBO *Harry Potter* series in England on October 7th, as he was dressed as the headmaster of Hogwarts.
Like Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, who famously played the character in the *Harry Potter* movies, John Lithgow sported a long gray beard and half-moon spectacles for his portrayal. He completed the wizard’s costume with long, dark robes.
The 70-year-old actor was surprised to be cast in the role, and he admitted it wasn’t an easy decision to accept it.
He admitted to ScreenRant in February that this role will likely be what people remember him for, but he’s also really looking forward to it.
Lithgow explained that with people revisiting the world of *Harry Potter*, it was a difficult choice to make. He joked that he’d be nearly 87 years old by the time filming finished.
The actor explained that the show plans to adapt all seven books in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.
The new *Harry Potter* series will dedicate an entire season to each book, according to a recent interview. The actor mentioned this while discussing his research for the role of Dumbledore on the *SmartLess* podcast in March, saying he was about halfway through the second book at the time. He also described Dumbledore as a very powerful figure, comparing him to a ‘nuclear weapon’.
Regarding the criticism that he, unlike previous actors who played the role – such as Jude Law and Toby Regbo in the *Fantastic Beasts* films – doesn’t have a natural English accent?
Okay, so everyone lost their minds when they found out an American was cast as *the* most iconic English wizard, I get it! But honestly, he totally brushed it off on *The One Show* last month, saying he’d give it his all. And he pointed out – rightly so! – that he *nailed* Winston Churchill on *The Crown*, so he clearly knows what he’s doing when it comes to playing British legends. Seriously, he’s going to be amazing, just you wait!
Keep reading to see who else will be joining Lithgow on the Harry Potter series.
In July 2025, actor Anton Lesser, known for his role in *Game of Thrones*, will become the new Garrick Ollivander, the wandmaker, following the passing of the beloved John Hurt.
Rory Wilmot will be taking on the role of Neville Longbottom, a popular character from Gryffindor house, previously portrayed by Matthew Lewis.
Louise Brealey, a British actress known for her work in shows like *Sherlock*, *A Discovery of Witches*, and *Such Brave Girls*, is taking on the role of Madam Rolanda Hooch, the Quidditch instructor, previously played by Zoe Wanamaker.
Newcomer Amos Kitson will play Harry’s cousin Dudley. Harry Melling previously played the younger version of Dudley in the original films.
Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will be taking on the iconic roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. They are succeeding Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, who famously played the characters in the films from 2000 to 2010.
Executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod shared their excitement about the three actors, calling their talent ‘wonderful’ and anticipating the ‘magic’ they’ll create on screen. They also expressed gratitude to the many children who auditioned, saying it was a pleasure to see so much young talent.
Up-and-coming actor Lox Pratt will be taking on the role of Slytherin. He’s following in the footsteps of Tom Felton, who is moving to Broadway to play the older Draco Malfoy in the play *Harry Potter and The Cursed Child*.
HBO revealed in June 2025 that Johnny Flynn, known for his role in *Ripley*, will be playing Lucius Malfoy. Jason Isaacs, who previously played Lucius in the *Harry Potter* films, shared his congratulations on Instagram, saying he was excited to pass the role – and the keys to Malfoy Manor – to the “monstrously talented” Flynn.
Katherine Parkinson, known for her BAFTA-winning role in the British comedy *The IT Crowd*, will play Mrs. Weasley in the upcoming TV series. She takes over the role previously held by Julie Walters, who starred in *Mamma Mia!*
According to a March 2025 report in *Variety*, comedian Nick Frost was in talks to take on the role of Hagrid, the half-giant from the *Harry Potter* series. Frost became well-known for his work with Simon Pegg in films like *Shaun of the Dead* and *Hot Fuzz*. The role of Hagrid was previously played by Robbie Coltrane, who passed away in 2022.
Reports surfaced in December 2024 that Paapa Essiedu, a British actor known for his Emmy nomination and role in the HBO series *I May Destroy You*, is being considered to play Professor Snape. The role was famously played by the late Alan Rickman in the Harry Potter films.
John Lithgow, a highly respected actor, will play the role of Professor Dumbledore in the upcoming HBO series. He’s known for his work in shows like *Conclave*, *Dexter*, *3rd Rock from the Sun*, and *The Crown*. Lithgow has also received numerous accolades throughout his career, including six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Tony Awards, and two Academy Award nominations.
John Lithgow admitted the role was a tough choice, telling ScreenRant in February 2025 that he worried it would be how people remembered him for the rest of his life. Despite turning 87 during filming, he ultimately accepted the part and said he was very enthusiastic about it.
Dumbledore was previously played by the late Richard Harris and then by Michael Gambon.
Daniel Rigby, a BAFTA-winning actor, will be playing Uncle Vernon in the upcoming HBO Max series. He shared on Instagram that he’s excited to portray what he calls ‘the world’s worst muggle.’ The role was famously played by Richard Griffiths, who passed away in 2013.
Bel Powley, a British actress known for her roles in shows like *The Morning Show*, *A Small Light*, and *Masters of the Air*, will be playing Aunt Petunia, a role previously held by Fiona Shaw.
Janet McTeer, a well-known British actress, will be playing Professor McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor house and Deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts. McTeer has a long and successful career, with appearances in shows like *Ozark*, *Jessica Jones*, and *Sorry for Your Loss*. The role of McGonagall was famously played by Dame Maggie Smith in the *Harry Potter* films.
HBO revealed in April 2025 that Paul Whitehouse, a highly-awarded British comedian, will be playing the role of Hogwarts caretaker Filch. He’s taking over from David Bradley, who famously played the part in the Harry Potter films. Interestingly, Whitehouse actually appeared in one of the movies before – he played Sir Cadogan, a talking portrait, in *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban*.
Three young actors will play the parts of Harry’s classmates Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil, and Lavender Brown. Previously, Devon Murray, Shefali Chowdhury, and Jessie Cave played these roles.
Bertie Carvel, a Tony Award-winning actor, is set to play the Minister of Magic, it was announced in June 2025. Previously, the role of Cornelius Fudge in the *Harry Potter* films was played by Robert Hardy, who passed away in 2017.
Oh my gosh, I was SO excited to find out who was playing Professor Quirrell’s replacement! It’s Luke Thallon, and honestly, I hadn’t heard of him before, but I’m already obsessed! It’s such a crucial role – I mean, Ian Hart *was* perfect as Quirrell in the first movie, and that scene with Harry… unforgettable! I can’t wait to see what Luke brings to it, but he has HUGE shoes to fill!
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2025-10-09 03:47