With Conclave gathering steam ahead of this weekend’s Academy Awards, one member of that extremely talented cast has just landed a huge TV role…and one that’s sure to have a lot of eyes on it. John Lithgow confirmed to ScreenRant that he’ll play Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s Harry Potter reboot series.
“It came as a total surprise to me. I got the phone call at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision, because it’s going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I’m afraid,” Lithgow said. “But I’m very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to ‘Harry Potter.’”
The film Lithgow referred to is Jimpa which we reviewed here.
Lithgow will play a new version of Dumbledore for the series. Oscar winner Mark Rylance had been linked to the role recently. The role of the Hogwarts headmaster was played previously by the late Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, and Jude Law as a younger version in the short-lived Fantastic Beasts franchise.
Gangs of London and The Gorge actor Paapa Essiedu has been rumored for the role of Severus Snape, but it’s unclear if that will pan out. It’ll be the casting of Harry, Hermione, and Ron that will draw the most scrutiny from fans, but honestly, all of the roles will draw a lot of attention.
