HBO's highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series is making headway, with a significant casting announcement seemingly in the works. Veteran actor John Lithgow has reportedly accepted the role of Professor Dumbledore.

In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Lithgow confirmed his involvement, describing the role as a defining moment in his career. He stated, “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.”

This marks the first official casting confirmation for the series, although HBO and Warner Bros. have yet to formally announce Lithgow's participation. The project aims to adapt all seven J.K. Rowling books into a television series, featuring a completely new cast portraying iconic characters like Harry, Hermione, Ron, and the rest of the Hogwarts community. Rowling will serve as an executive producer alongside Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts.

While Lithgow's confirmation is exciting news, the lack of a full cast suggests the series is still in the early stages of development. Lithgow, a celebrated actor with an extensive filmography, is perhaps best known for his role in 3rd Rock from the Sun and his Emmy-winning portrayal of Winston Churchill in The Crown.

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