Leaked Photos Show Lithgow as Dumbledore

Leaked set photos and videos from HBO’s Harry Potter series show John Lithgow in full Albus Dumbledore costume—long white beard, small spectacles and heavy robes—filming on a Cornwall beach with visible cue cards reportedly bearing the Latin phrase “Murus cadat, via pateat.” Separate leaked images reportedly depict Dumbledore meeting Nicholas Flamel and his wife, prompting outlets and fans to suggest the show may add or expand scenes not in the first book, including material tied to Dumbledore’s disappearances and later Horcrux-related beach/cave sequences. Production reportedly began in July 2025, with a principal cast that includes Dominic McLaughlin (Harry), Arabella Stanton (Hermione), Alastair Stout (Ron), Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu and Nick Frost, and the series is widely reported to be slated for a 2027 debut. Conflicting wardrobe reports and the leaks have intensified debate over HBO’s creative approach and revived controversies around casting an American in a quintessentially British role and broader Rowling-related issues. Lithgow has acknowledged some backlash about his nationality and said he will do his best in the part.