HBO Plans John Lithgow as Dumbledore for New Harry Potter Series

The casting of John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series has sparked mixed reactions among fans. Concerns have been raised about Lithgow's age, as he is 79 and may not be able to complete the series if it spans a decade, drawing comparisons to the late Richard Harris, the original Dumbledore actor who passed during the film series. Additionally, Lithgow's American nationality breaks with the tradition of casting British actors in key roles, which has also caused some discontent among fans who feel a British actor would maintain the series' authentic feel. Despite these concerns, some fans support Lithgow, citing his acting prowess and ability to capture Dumbledore's humor and complexity. The series, produced by HBO, has yet to confirm Lithgow's casting, and the network has not commented on the ongoing negotiations. The show is set to adapt J.K. Rowling's books over several years, aiming for a 2026 release.