While rumors turn their attention to another actor, they whisper whether former frontrunner Mark Rylance, who took over the role of Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series, is truly heartbreaking.
According to Variety, the Oscar winner is the “top of the casting wish list” for that part, and although HBO had not confirmed it at the time, it appears that there is another twist in the story.
Fans were hoping that other than John Lithgow would hear confirmation of Rylance’s casting, so they were shocked to hear that he was the frontrunner who plays Principal Hogwarts, but Jeff Snyder’s “Insnyder.” According to the role he turned down.
Why did Mark Rylance turn down the role of Dumbledore?
According to Insneider, the 65-year-old is still grieving after the loss of his beloved wife, Claire Van Kampen, who recently passed away on January 18, 2025.
The pair have been married since 1989, but Mark and daughter Juliet have confirmed they have died after being diagnosed with cancer.
Jeff implied that this was why Mark had to hand over the role of Harry Potter as “can properly grieve.”
Given that her passing has been so recent, it’s understandable reason as shooting is expected to start with a series soon.
John Lithgow is the new Dumbledore frontrunner
Surprisingly, Harry Potter’s team appears to have lined up American actor John Lithgow for the role of Hogwarts principal.
Deadline reported that he is approaching signing at the dotted line to play the legendary wizard, but the reason why so many people are surprised that he is totally thought of is that he Because he is neither British nor Irish.
This was a reported standard for the cast of the film, and was also mentioned in the series by showrunners Mark Mirodo and Francesca Gardiner during the pre-Christmas event.
Mark said: “We are following the spirit of the film and source some of the best creams of British (and Ireland) talent.”
However, American actor Lithgow has previously played a British character, and his most famous British role is Winston Churchill’s role (who won him an Emmy), and he recently appeared in London’s stage It depicts Roald Dahl.
According to Deadline, HBO declined to comment, but shared the following statement:
“When you go through pre-production, we only check the details when you complete the transaction.”
