Harry Potter fans have some major concerns about who could step into Albus Dumbledore’s shoes for HBO’s live-action television series based on hit novels. Earlier this week it was reported that actor John Lithgow is currently taking part in final negotiations to portray the principal of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter television series. Like all other casting rumors related to this upcoming show, scheduled to arrive in 2026, the decision to cast Lithgow as Dumbledore is an instant split of fans of the magical world. But it is surprising with Lithgow that it is the point of conflict with fans that many fear another Harry Potter film problem that could happen again. It’s not a well-known actor’s acting chop.
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Not long after Lithgow’s casting when Dumbledore hit the internet, Harry Potter users quickly squealed their own thoughts. Generally speaking, most people eagerly awaiting for upcoming TV series have expressed that Lithgow could be considered Dumbledore, and thought he could separate his charismatic role. However, it is Lithgow’s age that proved to be a point of competition among many. Lithgow is currently 79 years old and is expected to turn 80 by the time production begins later this year. Given that this Harry Potter television series will be a long-term commitment for most of the next decade, many fans have expressed concern that Lithgow will be able to watch the entire show’s run. .
These fears about Lithgow’s age were further amplified by the fact that Harry Potter’s film series had previously seen the original Dumbledore actor Richard Harris die in production. Harris passed away in 2002 after portraying Dumbledore in both Harry Potter and the Sorcerer Stone and Harry Potter. Harris was younger than Lithgow at the time of his death, but this only amplifies concerns that fans have about their ability to play Dumbledore for a long time.
“He’s an incredible actor,” Lithgow user Amazing_Cover_7745 said. “But I’m worried if he’s too old. We may be on track to another Richard Harris situation, and he’ll close out this series. It’ll be 90.”
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“I’m 79 and this isn’t going well,” added user Ivanfilipovic. “It would be a miracle if he could give his utmost respect and complete all of Dumbledore’s filming in that time frame.”
For now, HBO has not confirmed that Lithgow is actually going to play Dumbledore, nor has it confirmed the casting of other rumors tied to Harry Potter TV shows. However, if the series is actually set to drop in 2026, it’s likely that in a few weeks and months you’ll start to hear more about the show.
