Veteran actor John Lithgow has perfectly transformed into the iconic Professor Dumbledore for HBO’s highly anticipated TV adaptation of the Harry Potter series.
Wearing the Hogwarts headmaster’s signature long beard and oversized wizard robes, the Conclave star looks almost unrecognizable as he steps into the legendary role.
What Can Fans Expect from John Lithgow’s Dumbledore Role in Harry Potter?
Lithgow made his Dumbledore debut while filming the Harry Potter series in Cornwall, England, on Tuesday, October 7.
Just like the late Richard Harris and Michael Gambon before him, the 79-year-old actor sported a long gray beard and half-moon glasses as he stood on the beach, embodying the beloved Hogwarts headmaster.
Fans had already approved of Lithgow’s casting when it was first announced in February, and many now see his take on the role as “perfect” after seeing him dressed as Dumbledore.
“I’m speechless. John Lithgow as Dumbledore is already perfect,” Wizarding World Direct tweeted.
Nerdrotic also shared that Lithgow “looks great.”
Adam Carter added that he “looks incredible.”
What Did John Lithgow Say About His Harry Potter Casting?
While many are already excited to see Lithgow as Dumbledore, he admitted that his decision to take on the role wasn’t an “easy” one.
"It's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid," he told ScreenRant. "But I'm very excited."
Aware of the immense popularity of the series and the weight of the role, Lithgow acknowledged that the spotlight has once again turned to the Harry Potter franchise.
“That’s why it’s been such a hard decision,” he continued. “I’ll be about 87 years old at the wrap party.”
The new Harry Potter series is expected to run for up to 10 years. With a target release date of 2027, the show could wrap around 2037. It aims to adapt all seven of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels.
“The overall concept of this entire reboot of Harry Potter is that each season is devoted to a single novel,” Lithgow explained on the SmartLess podcast in March. At the time, he shared that he was already “halfway through the second book” to better understand his role.
“Dumbledore, he’s kind of the nuclear weapon,” he described.
With excitement building for both his casting and the series itself, Lithgow promised to give his best—especially since some fans were “appalled” that an American actor was chosen to play the “ultimate English wizard.”
"I remind everyone that I did play Winston Churchill on The Crown and did just fine,” he added.
Harry Potter is scheduled to release in early 2027 n HBO.
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