HBO’s upcomingHarry Potterreboot has finally found its beloved head professor. Although previous reports pointed to the Oscar-winningBridge of Spiesactor Mark Rylancelanding the role, it seems the network has moved to a new direction. In a shocking turn of events, HBO will be adding a non-British actor as the beloved character, and he’s a name many did not have on their radar. Prepare to meet the next Dumbledore –John Lithgow.
Deadlinereports thatJohn Lithgowis finalizing a deal to star in the upcomingHarry Potterreboot for HBO as Professor Albus Dumbledore. Although it seems several actors were in the mix for the coveted role, Lithgow has seemingly landed one of the biggest television projects currently in the works. The six-time Emmy winner has been ripe for a big franchise role like this for quite some time, and if the deal is finalized, he will be Dumbledore for years to come. TheConclavestar has also previously been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor twice, forTerms of EndearmentandThe World According to Garp.
Lithgow joins an esteemed list of actors who have played the iconic character. Michael Gambon, Jude Law, and Richard Harris have all put their own imprint on the role on the big screen. HBO did not directly comment on the casting, but had this to say about the latest report:
“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.”
‘Harry Potter’ Begins to Round Out Its Cast
Although Mark Rylance was expected to feature as Professor Dumbledore inHarry Potter, John Lithgow is a welcome addition to the admittedly short cast list thus far.Gangs of LondonstarPaapa Essieduwill make the rounds in Hogwarts alongside Lithgow ashe is the preferred choice by HBO to portray Severus Snape, previously played by the late Alan Rickman. Meanwhile, rumors have circulated that Oscar-nominated actress andOzarkstarJanet McTeeris in talks to take over the late Maggie Smith’s iconic role as Professor Minerva McGonagall. It seems HBO has not inked any deals yet, but the network has been eyeing top-tier talent since the show’s controversial inception.
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The biggest casting decisions of them all have yet to come to fruition for HBO’sHarry Potterseries. Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, previously played by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, respectively, all remain without actors set in place. However, it’s been reported that not only is the show hard at work to cast them,the network is looking at talent from all over the world, regardless of “ethnicity, sex, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law.”
“We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting. For every role, please submit qualified performers, without regard to ethnicity, sex, disability, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis protected by law unless otherwise specifically indicated.”
