Recently, I learned that actor John Lithgow is on the verge of finalizing a deal to portray Professor Albus Dumbledore in a new adaptation of the Harry Potter franchise. There are numerous factors at play regarding Lithgow’s connection to this magical world, but one particularly stands out: he is not British. The original film series notably excluded American actors from prominent roles, and fans are evidently having difficulty envisioning someone like Lithgow, a non-British actor, in such a quintessentially British part as Dumbledore. Nevertheless, this casting choice isn’t entirely unexpected, hinting at the direction the new adaptation is taking.
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Reports indicate that Lithgow and his team are nearing the conclusion of negotiations for the role of Dumbledore, as per Deadline’s update from last Wednesday. However, HBO has chosen not to comment on the matter. A spokesperson for the network mentioned, “We appreciate that such a well-loved series generates a lot of rumors and speculation. During pre-production, we only verify details once deals are finalized.”
Despite this caution, it’s clear that Lithgow is a leading contender for the role, inviting further speculation about his appeal to producers and studio executives. As a highly regarded actor with a knack for embodying whimsical and heartfelt moments—attributes characteristic of Dumbledore—it’s understandable why many consider him a fitting choice, although there are also concerns.
(Related: 3 Harry Potter plot holes that remain confusing)
A glance at fan discussions reveals a palpable anxiety regarding the decision to cast a non-British actor in this beloved role. Additionally, there are worries that having a high-profile star like Lithgow join the franchise might detract attention from the storyline itself. Many fans also express concerns about Lithgow’s age, as he is 79, casting doubt on whether he would have the stamina to commit to a series that could span a decade. While these worries are understandable, it’s no great shock that the studio is pursuing this direction.
Lithgow is not British
While it’s true that previous Harry Potter films didn’t cast American actors, it’s important to keep in mind that avoiding Hollywood’s A-list talent was a bold choice, with no guarantee it would be successful again. The adult cast brought a significant amount of star power to the franchise, with characters like Alan Rickman and Maggie Smith elevating the series. If Lithgow is under consideration, it raises the possibility that other non-British actors may also be in the running for different roles. Producers could aim to attract viewers who feel a remake is unnecessary, and leveraging celebrity status might help divert attention from controversies surrounding author JK Rowling. While some fans may distance themselves from Rowling due to her controversial statements on social media, they might be less inclined to do so with well-respected figures like Lithgow.
Ultimately, Lithgow’s non-British status should not be a major concern. He won an Emmy playing British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in “The Crown,” where his accent was highly praised. If anything, fans might have greater reservations about other American actors possibly joining the cast and their commitment to dialect coaching.
Lithgow is too famous
Some fans express disappointment at the idea of Lithgow portraying Dumbledore, primarily because they associate him with a range of other prominent roles from his extensive Hollywood career, which dates back to 1972. His breakthrough performances have spanned over the past 40 years, including acclaimed roles in recent productions like “The Crown,” “The Conclave,” and “Pet Sematary.”
Nevertheless, Lithgow is not merely a celebrity; he’s a dedicated artist with a proven track record over decades. He puts in tremendous effort to bring his characters to life, consistently transforming himself for each role. Concerns might arise if a less versatile actor were cast, but Lithgow has demonstrated his ability to approach each character uniquely.
Lithgow is too old
The concern regarding Lithgow’s age as a potential Dumbledore actor has been a significant topic among fans. At 79, if the Harry Potter series is projected to last a decade, he will be nearing 90 by the end. Although Dumbledore is supposed to be around 110 years old at the start of the series, casting an actor too young isn’t feasible either; Dumbledore takes on a more active role in the later books, which could pose challenges if the actor struggles with physical scenes.
In this case, fans should acknowledge the reality of stunt doubles and CGI. While Lithgow might be depicted swimming through waves toward a cave entrance, he could also be shown standing confidently before a collection of mysterious potions inside. Alternatively, casting a younger actor and digitally altering their appearance would not be ideal, just as it would be undesirable to skip key action sequences for Dumbledore.
The challenge of casting the beloved character of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore is formidable, regardless of who takes on the role. Although it remains unconfirmed whether Lithgow’s deal will be finalized, the new Harry Potter series is scheduled to debut on HBO and Max in 2026. Meanwhile, the existing films are available for streaming on Max, while the books continue to be available in print, digital, and audiobook formats.
