John Lithgow Reveals Role in HBO ‘Harry Potter’ Reboot

It looks like John Lithgow accidentally let slip some exciting news about his role in the upcoming “Harry Potter” series on HBO. The veteran actor, who earned an Oscar nod for “Terms of Endearment,” recently confirmed that he’ll be stepping into the shoes of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in the TV reboot. Lithgow, who is 79 years old and shared his casting news with Screen Rant, expressed his surprise at being selected for the role, saying, “I’m very excited.”

This announcement comes on the heels of a report from Deadline that Lithgow was in final negotiations to play the iconic wizard character, previously portrayed by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon. Lithgow is set to follow in their footsteps and bring his own interpretation to the beloved role.

While HBO has kept details about the “Harry Potter” reboot tightly under wraps, Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company behind the series, announced it in April 2023 as a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s acclaimed novels. Rowling herself is on board as an executive producer, despite facing criticism for past controversial remarks.

The original film franchise, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, was a massive box office success. Warner Bros. also ventured into the “Harry Potter” universe with films based on Rowling’s “Fantastic Beasts” series and other related projects, like a baking competition show. HBO even marked the 20th anniversary of “Harry Potter” with a heartfelt reunion special in 2022.

As for the HBO reboot, details have been scarce, with fans eagerly awaiting updates on casting and production. The series is expected to launch sometime in 2026 or 2027, according to Deadline. So, keep your wands ready and stay tuned for more magical updates on this highly anticipated project!