HBO’s Harry Potter television series is something that has a lot of interest from muggles around the world due to the popularity of this magical franchise. So far, things have been kept relatively secretive regarding the upcoming Harry Potter show. Still, now the first official casting has taken place as a popular Dexter star has self-confirmed their future for the show.
Casting for the show has been a huge talking point amongst fans of the Harry Potter franchise, but the talk of who will play Professor Albus Dumbledore can officially be brought to an end. While not officially confirmed by HBO yet, the Hogwarts wizard who Michael Gabon and Richard Harris played in the movies is now cast for the upcoming television show.
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Last week, it was reported that John Lithgow was going to play the iconic wizard, and during an interview with Screen Rant, the actor confirmed he has been cast as Dumbledore in HBO’s Harry Potter series. He said, “Well, it came as a total surprise to me. I just got the phone call up 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. But I’m very excited. Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter. That’s why it’s been such a hard decision. I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but I’ve said yes.”
Lithgow is the only actor officially cast for the Harry Potter television series at this point, but it has been reported that Paapa Essiedu is HBO’s number one target to play Severus Snape. There has also been confirmation that auditions have taken place to cast the lead roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, but at this point, it’s unknown who will be taking on those important roles.
The Harry Potter television series is expected to dedicate one full season per novel, giving HBO a lot of time to devote to each of JK Rowling’s books. That’s something that Harry Potter fans hope will lead to characters and storylines that were neglected during the movies getting the opportunity to have some spotlight this time. The show is slated to release in late 2026 or early 2027, and it has been confirmed that filming of the episodes will commence in summer 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesdon in the United Kingdom, where the original movies were also filmed. Since filming is set to begin later this year, more official cast announcements are expected to be coming imminently.
Casting Lithgow will certainly raise some eyebrows amongst fans of the franchise because he is American. That was something that was widely avoided during the film series, as British actors were primarily cast for that role. However, it’s clear that HBO believes that Lithgow can take on the role, which is one of the most important in the franchise due to how powerful Dumbledore is. However, there will also be no shortage of excitement from Harry Potter fans now that the cast is starting to be revealed.
Harry Potter
- Created by
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J.K. Rowling
- First Film
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
- Latest Film
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two
- Cast
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Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Alan Rickman, Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane