John Lithgow Casts a Magical Spell as Dumbledore in HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Reboot

by Haley February 25, 2025

Fans of the beloved Harry Potter franchise have been eagerly awaiting news about the upcoming HBO reboot, and now they have something to celebrate. Six-time Emmy-winning actor John Lithgow has officially confirmed that he will be joining the cast, taking on the role of the wise and powerful headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore. This news has caused a stir among fans and industry insiders alike, as Lithgow’s addition cements the highly-anticipated project as one to watch.

John Lithgow Casts a Magical Spell as Dumbledore in HBO’s ‘Harry Potter’ Reboot

For months, there have been speculations and rumors about the cast of the Harry Potter reboot, with HBO remaining tight-lipped about any official confirmations. But recently, the name of John Lithgow surfaced as a potential addition to the cast, and now the actor himself has spoken out about the role. In an exclusive interview with MovieWeb, Lithgow shared his excitement about joining the iconic franchise.

“I am thrilled to announce that I will be joining the Harry Potter family as Dumbledore in the new HBO reboot,” Lithgow said. “It’s a dream come true to be a part of such a beloved and magical world.”

Lithgow, who is no stranger to television, has an impressive resume that includes award-winning roles in shows like 3rd Rock from the Sun, Dexter, and The Crown. With his incredible range and talent, he is sure to bring a new level of depth and complexity to the character of Dumbledore.

The news of Lithgow’s casting has been met with overwhelming support from fans, who have taken to social media to express their excitement and anticipation for the reboot. Many have praised the actor’s versatility and are eager to see how he will bring the beloved headmaster to life on screen.

But with excitement also comes some skepticism, as some fans are wary of a reboot of such a beloved franchise. Some have expressed concerns that the reboot may not live up to the original films, while others are worried that it may not stay true to the original story. However, with Lithgow’s confirmation, it seems that the reboot is moving forward and fans can look forward to seeing a fresh take on the magical world of Harry Potter.

This casting news is a major win for HBO, as they continue to build their impressive lineup of original content. With the success of other fantasy shows like Game of Thrones, HBO is no stranger to bringing beloved books to life on screen. And with John Lithgow onboard, they have secured a talented and respected actor to lead the way in this new venture.

The Harry Potter reboot has yet to announce any other confirmed cast members, but with Lithgow’s addition, it’s clear that the project is gaining momentum. Fans can only hope that the rest of the cast will be just as impressive, and that the reboot will do justice to the beloved story that has captured hearts around the world.

In the meantime, we can all look forward to seeing John Lithgow’s portrayal of Albus Dumbledore, as he takes on the role of the iconic headmaster and guides us through the magical world of Harry Potter once again. With his talent and passion for the project, it’s safe to say that this casting is a match made in Hogwarts.